There isn’t a need to devote a lot of thought to the takeaway from the Orange’s 18-13 loss to the Clemson Tigers.
Syracuse football: takeaway from the loss to Clemson
Turning another win into a loss
Here’s the takeway:
the Syracuse passing game failed against Clemson.
Steve Angeli started off 4-4 in this one. Syracuse stalled in the red zone (a recurring theme) and lost starting guard Jayden Mann. After that it was a mix of poor throws, poor protection and wide receivers unable to bring in contested catches.
In the second quarter, Angeli threw behind Russell at the goal line. Syracuse then watch Tripp Woody hit the upright.
Late in the first half, Angeli had Justus Ross-Simmons left wide open at midfield and air-mailed it out of bounds. Instead of getting a chance to go into the half with a lead and some momentum, the Orange went into it trailing.
They came out of it and after moving into Clemson territory, Hatcher dropped a contested ball and Angeli overshot Russell beyond the sticks. The Orange had 8 contested throws and only completed 3 of them (2 by Ross-Simmons). It’s an area where Syracuse has thrived this season and the first time Hatcher was unable to win his matchup.
Angel...