Clemson Edges Syracuse 18-13 on Lawson Scoop
Jahiem Lawson's 22-yard scoop-and-score was Clemson's only touchdown in a 18-13 road win over Syracuse.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Football
Clemson defeated Syracuse 18-13 on November 7, 2026, improving to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the ACC. Jahiem Lawson recovered a loose football and returned it 22 yards for the game's only Clemson touchdown.
Why it matters
The win keeps Clemson in contention in ACC play, while Syracuse drops to 2-5 in conference games. Red-zone defense decided the contest, with neither team converting its red-zone trips into touchdowns on the Clemson side.
Clemson recorded eight pass breakups and two takeaways, including Lawson's scoop-and-score and an end-zone interception by Ashton Hampton. Both teams had three red-zone trips, and Clemson's offense was held to a single touchdown while missing four offensive starters.
The players
Dabo Swinney
Dabo Swinney is the head football coach at Clemson University, who identified red-zone defense as the key difference in the game.
Jahiem Lawson
Jahiem Lawson is a Clemson football player who recovered a loose football and scored a 22-yard touchdown in the win over Syracuse.
Steve Angeli
Steve Angeli is the Syracuse quarterback whose backward-forced pass led to the live ball that Clemson recovered.
Kourtney Kelly
Kourtney Kelly is a Clemson defensive tackle who forced the fumble that set up the game-deciding scoop-and-score.
The details
Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli's pass was forced backward by defensive tackle Kourtney Kelly, making the ball live and setting up Lawson's recovery and 22-yard touchdown. Clemson's defense consistently pressured Angeli and forced him to move around the pocket throughout the game.
Timeline
Nov. 7, 2026: Clemson defeats Syracuse 18-13 at JMA Wireless Dome.
Nov. 14, 2026: Clemson hosts Georgia Tech.
Season Trajectory
The win moves Clemson to 4-2 in ACC play, keeping it in the middle of the conference race as it approaches its November 14 home game against Georgia Tech. Syracuse's 2-5 conference mark leaves it near the bottom of the ACC standings with its season trending toward a losing record.
Clemson's 4-2 ACC mark positions it for playoff-relevant conference standings with four league games remaining. Fantasy managers should note that Lawson's touchdown came off a defensive recovery rather than an offensive play.
The takeaway
Red-zone defense and turnover recovery decided this game, and both sides will carry that lesson into their next conference matchups. Clemson's ability to win a close road game with a depleted offense is a meaningful signal for the rest of its season.
What happens next
Clemson returns home on Nov. 14 to face Georgia Tech.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see Football coverage.
