Clemson Leads Syracuse 9-6 at Halftime
Clemson holds a three-point edge over Syracuse heading into the second half of their Saturday matchup in Syracuse, N.Y.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
Clemson led Syracuse 9-6 at halftime of their game in Syracuse, N.Y. Both teams relied heavily on field goals in the first half, with Clemson connecting on three of four attempts and Syracuse on two of three.
Why it matters
Syracuse's defense has kept Clemson out of the end zone despite allowing some big plays, keeping the game close entering the second half. A close score at the break leaves the outcome open for Syracuse, which is seeking its third straight conference win.
Clemson made 3 of 4 field goal attempts and Syracuse made 2 of 3 in the first half, with Tripp Woody connecting from 26 and 46 yards and missing from 32. Clemson's third-down struggles and Syracuse's edge in time of possession remain the key measurable factors as the second half begins.
The players
Clemson Tigers
Clemson is a Division I football program in the Atlantic Coast Conference based in Clemson, South Carolina, and is among the most successful programs in the sport's modern era.
Syracuse Orange
Syracuse is a Division I football program in the Atlantic Coast Conference based at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.
Tripp Woody
Tripp Woody is a placekicker for Syracuse who made field goals from 26 and 46 yards in the first half.
The details
Clemson took a 9-6 lead into the locker room in a low-scoring first half at Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse's defense has given up a few big plays while holding Clemson out of the end zone.
Timeline
November 7, 2026: First-half game between Clemson and Syracuse ends with Clemson leading 9-6.
Season Trajectory
Clemson is seeking to extend its streak to a 27th consecutive bowl-eligible season, a run that positions the program among the most consistent in the Atlantic Coast Conference. A road win over Syracuse would keep that streak intact while Syracuse works toward a third straight conference victory.
Clemson's 1-for-7 third-down rate and Syracuse's time-of-possession edge will shape how the second half unfolds. Fantasy managers tracking Tripp Woody's kicking should note his one miss from 32 yards in the first half.
The takeaway
Clemson's bowl-eligibility streak and Syracuse's conference win streak both hinge on the second half, so late-game execution on third downs will matter most. Readers following either team should watch third-down efficiency as the clearest sign of which side controls the outcome.
Further reading
For more on the local program, see Syracuse Football coverage.
