College Football News
Clemson doesn't always need an offensive touchdown to get the job done. On Saturday, the Tigers proved that a strong defensive performance, a reliable kicking game and a little late-game composure can be enough to keep the season moving in the right direction.
The Clemson Tigers (6-3, 4-2 ACC) escaped the JMA Wireless Dome with an 18-13 victory over Syracuse on Nov. 7, earning their sixth win of the season and becoming bowl eligible. It wasn't the offensive performance fans may have hoped to see, but Clemson found contributions from all the right places when the game was on the line.
Now, the Tigers return to Death Valley for a Nov. 14 matchup against Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets are coming off a difficult stretch that has prompted significant changes to their coaching staff, adding another storyline to Clemson's upcoming ACC contest.
Defense and Special Teams Pick Up Where the Offense Left Off
Clemson's offense finished the afternoon without an offensive touchdown, making this victory particularly notable. The Tigers last won a game without scoring an offensive touchdown in their 16-7 victory over South Carolina in 2023.
Against Syracuse, Clemson relied on four field goals from Nolan Hauser and a defensive touchdown from Jahiem Lawson to secure the five-point victory.
Hauser connected on attempts from 32, 36, 37 and 54 yards, accounting for 12 of Clemson's 18 points. His performance added another milestone to an already impressive season.
The senior kicker improved to 27-of-29 on field goals this season, tying Greg Huegel's single-season Clemson record of 27 made field goals, established in 2015. Hauser also became the first kicker in program history to record more than 1,000 yards in made field goals during a single season.
His fourth field goal of the afternoon, a 54-yarder, also gave him four successful kicks from 50 yards or longer this season, establishing a new Clemson single-season record.
While Hauser handled the scoring, the defense delivered the game's defining moment.
In the third quarter, defensive end Jahiem Lawson recovered a Syracuse fumble and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown. The turnover was created by Kourtney Kelly, who recorded his first sack as a Tiger and forced the fumble that changed the momentum of the game.
Lawson wasn't finished making an impact. Late in the fourth quarter, he pressured Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli as he released a pass. Cornerback Ashton Hampton came away with the interception in the end zone, shutting down Syracuse's final scoring opportunity.
It was the kind of defensive sequence Clemson needed, particularly with its offense struggling to finish drives.
Tait Reynolds Continues to Develop as Clemson's Quarterback
Freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds continues to give Clemson another dimension offensively, particularly with his ability to make plays with his legs.
Against Syracuse, Reynolds completed 17 of 28 passes for 161 yards while adding 61 rushing yards on 15 carries.
His rushing production is becoming an increasingly important part of Clemson's offensive identity. Reynolds became the first Clemson quarterback since Kelly Bryant in 2017 to rush for at least 60 yards in three consecutive games.
He also became the first Tiger quarterback since DJ Uiagalelei in 2022 to rush for at least 40 yards in four consecutive games.
Reynolds connected with Bryant Wesco Jr. for a 53-yard completion to open Clemson's second scoring drive. Wesco finished with six receptions for 100 yards, recording his second 100-yard receiving performance of the season and the eighth of his career.
Wesco also added an unexpected contribution through the air.
In the second quarter, the wide receiver completed a 36-yard pass to T.J. Moore on a double-pass. It marked the first career pass attempt and completion for Wesco, giving Clemson another offensive wrinkle.
Running back Jarvis Green also made the most of his opportunity. Making his first career start, Green rushed for a career-high 85 yards on nine carries. His afternoon began with a 53-yard run on Clemson's first offensive play from scrimmage.
The explosive plays were there. The next step for Clemson is turning those opportunities into touchdowns.
Dabo Swinney Makes ACC History
While Clemson's latest victory wasn't its most explosive offensive performance, it was another significant milestone for head coach Dabo Swinney.
With the win over Syracuse, Swinney recorded his 118th career regular-season conference victory, moving past Bobby Bowden's previous ACC record of 117.
Swinney also improved his career record to 193-56, moving within two victories of Tom Osborne's 195 wins through the first 20 seasons of a head coaching career in FBS history.
The victory also extended several notable Clemson streaks.
The Tigers have now recorded at least six wins in 28 consecutive seasons, dating back to 1999. Clemson also secured its 28th consecutive season with a .500 or better conference record.
On the road, the Tigers extended their winning streak against ACC opponents to six games, continuing a run of success that has become a defining part of the program under Swinney.
Clemson's victory in Syracuse was another reminder that winning does not always look the same. Sometimes it comes through explosive offensive production. Other times, it comes down to defense, special teams and finding a way to finish.
Georgia Tech Makes Major Coaching Changes Ahead of Clemson Matchup
Clemson's next opponent is dealing with a much different situation.
Georgia Tech enters the matchup at 2-7 overall and 1-5 in ACC play, following a four-game losing streak that has put the Yellow Jackets near the bottom of the conference standings.
The disappointing season prompted head coach Brent Key to make significant changes to his coaching staff on Nov. 9.
Georgia Tech announced that four assistant coaches had been relieved of their duties, including:
Jason Semore — Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach
Allen Mogridge — Offensive line coach
Kyle Pope — Outside linebackers and defensive ends coach
Jafar Williams — Wide receivers coach
The decisions followed Georgia Tech's 44-17 home loss to Louisville, another difficult result in a season that has not met the program's expectations.
The Yellow Jackets have struggled defensively, ranking near the bottom of the ACC in points allowed, total yards allowed and sacks. Through nine games, Georgia Tech had surrendered an average of 32.2 points and 418.9 yards per game.
Key acknowledged the need for change, explaining that the decisions followed several weeks of consideration and were intended to put the players in a better position to succeed during the final three games of the season.
The coaching shake-up also comes with immediate adjustments to responsibilities.
Defensive backs coach Vinnie Sunseri will assume defensive play-calling duties. Former NFL All-Pro and assistant wide receivers coach DeAndre Hopkins will take over as the primary wide receivers coach. Brandon Torrey will lead the offensive line, while additional responsibilities have been distributed among other members of the staff.
For Georgia Tech, the changes represent an effort to stabilize a season that has quickly moved in the wrong direction.
For Clemson, however, the coaching changes introduce another variable into the preparation process. A team with new play-calling responsibilities and adjusted position-group leadership could look different from the opponent Clemson has evaluated throughout the season.
Clemson vs. Georgia Tech: What to Watch in Death Valley
The upcoming matchup presents an opportunity for Clemson to build on its Syracuse victory while addressing some of the offensive issues that have followed the team throughout the season.
1. Can Clemson's offense find the end zone?
The Tigers have shown the ability to create explosive plays, but consistency in the red zone remains important. Reynolds' development, the running game and the connection with Wesco and Moore will be worth watching.
Clemson cannot depend on field goals and defensive touchdowns every Saturday. Against Georgia Tech, converting scoring opportunities into touchdowns should be a priority.
2. Will the Clemson defense take advantage of Georgia Tech's struggles?
The Yellow Jackets have experienced significant defensive difficulties, and Clemson's defense is coming off a performance that included three sacks, a fumble-return touchdown and an interception.
Lawson, Kelly and the defensive front will have opportunities to create pressure, disrupt the quarterback and force mistakes.
3. How will Georgia Tech respond to its coaching shake-up?
This is perhaps the most interesting storyline heading into Saturday.
With four assistants dismissed and responsibilities redistributed, Georgia Tech has an opportunity to approach its remaining games with a different structure. The question is whether those changes can translate into immediate improvement.
Clemson will need to prepare for the possibility of adjustments on both sides of the ball rather than assuming the Yellow Jackets will look exactly like the team that struggled against Louisville.
4. Can Clemson continue its ACC momentum?
The Tigers have won six consecutive road games against ACC opponents and now return home looking to carry that success into the final stretch of the regular season.
With two conference games remaining after Georgia Tech, including a road trip to Duke, every opportunity matters as Clemson looks to strengthen its position in the ACC standings.
The Bigger Picture: Clemson Needs More Than One Way to Win
Clemson's victory over Syracuse was not necessarily a statement about offensive dominance. It was a statement about finding production in unexpected places.
Hauser continued his record-setting season. Lawson delivered a game-changing defensive touchdown. Hampton made the interception when Clemson needed it most. Reynolds continued to show growth as a young quarterback, while Green and Wesco provided explosive contributions.
Those performances helped Clemson reach bowl eligibility and gave Swinney another place in ACC history.
But as the Tigers prepare for Georgia Tech, the next challenge is turning those individual contributions into a more complete team performance.
Georgia Tech is searching for answers, making significant coaching changes and attempting to salvage its season. Clemson, meanwhile, has an opportunity to protect home field, build momentum and continue its push through the ACC schedule.
The Tigers found a way to win in Syracuse. Now, they'll have to show they can build on it in Death Valley.
Game Information
Matchup: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Tigers
Date: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Location: Memorial Stadium (Death Valley), Clemson, South Carolina
Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
Kickoff: To be announced
Clemson Record: 6-3 overall, 4-2 ACC
Georgia Tech Record: 2-7 overall, 1-5 ACC
