Introduction
On September 20, 2025, the Syracuse Orange achieved a monumental 34-21 victory over the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. This win marked Syracuse’s first-ever triumph in Death Valley and ended a six-game losing streak against Clemson. The game was delayed due to lightning, but the Orange maintained their composure and capitalized on key moments to secure the upset.
Syracuse’s Historic Victory
Syracuse entered the game as significant underdogs but delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come. Quarterback Steve Angeli threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns before an injury sidelined him. Backup quarterback Rickie Collins stepped in seamlessly, adding a touchdown pass to his credit. Wide receiver Johntay Cook led the receiving corps with 113 yards, while Justus Ross-Simmons caught two touchdown passes. Running back Yasin Willis contributed 94 rushing yards, showcasing the team’s balanced offensive attack.
The Syracuse defense played a pivotal role in the victory, delivering crucial fourth-down stops and forcing turnovers. A late-game interception by Davien Kerr sealed the win, highlighting the defense’s resilience and determination. Despite a 90-minute weather delay, the Orange maintained their momentum and executed aggressive play-calling, including a surprise onside kick and successful fourth-down conversions, to outplay the Tigers.
Clemson’s Struggles Under Dabo Swinney
Clemson’s head coach, Dabo Swinney, has been under increasing scrutiny following a disappointing start to the 2025 season. The Tigers entered the game with a 1-2 record, including losses to LSU and Georgia Tech. Swinney’s passionate defense of his program in a recent press conference was met with criticism, with some analysts suggesting that he is overly influenced by media criticism. The loss to Syracuse dropped Clemson to 1-3 on the season, raising questions about the team’s direction and Swinney’s future with the program.
Fran Brown’s Impact on Syracuse
Syracuse’s head coach, Fran Brown, has quickly established himself as a formidable leader. In his first season, Brown led the Orange to a 10-3 record, their best since 2018. His direct and protective coaching style has garnered attention, especially after he issued a strong warning to rival coaches allegedly tampering with his players. Brown emphasized that he would confront any coach who contacts his athletes outside of the transfer portal, drawing a line at tampering with players still committed to his program. This stance reflects his commitment to building a culture of loyalty and accountability within the team.
Looking Ahead: Syracuse’s Future
The victory over Clemson propels Syracuse to a 3-1 record and positions them as a formidable contender in the ACC. With a balanced offense and a defense that can deliver in critical moments, the Orange are poised to challenge for a spot in the ACC Championship. Their next game against Duke will be crucial in determining their trajectory for the remainder of the season.
Conclusion
Syracuse’s historic win over Clemson signifies more than just an upset; it represents a shift in the balance of power within the ACC. Under the leadership of Fran Brown, the Orange have transformed into a team that can compete with the conference’s elite. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Syracuse to see if they can continue their ascent and challenge for the ACC title.
