How Did Syracuse Beat Clemson In Death Valley? A Breakdown of an Upset

The Orange were a 17.5-point underdog on the road in Death Valley. Syracuse head coach Fran Brown did not care. Let's break down how they pulled off the upset.

No. 1: Syracuse was efficient in the red zone

Anyone trying to pull off a road upset must score touchdowns and not settle for field goals. Syracuse set the tone early with a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to start the game, which included scoring on their first play in the red zone.

The Orange made four red zone trips, scoring three touchdowns and a field goal. Meanwhile, Clemson only crossed the Syracuse 20-yard line twice all game. They scored touchdowns on both occasions, but only two red zone trips were a win for the Orange.

No. 2: Syracuse wasn't afraid to take chances

To beat a ranked team on the road as a big underdog, you have to either steal a possession or extend a few possessions. After going up 7-0, Syracuse coach Fran Brown rolled the dice, calling for an onside kick which the Orange recovered.

On the ensuing drive, Syracuse converted a 4th-and-2 from the Clemson 46-yard line to keep the drive alive, which ended with a field goal. Clemson was down 10-0 before taking a snap.

No. 3: Syracuse's defense got off the field on third down 

Not only does an underdog have to steal or extend possessions where it can, but it also must prevent its opponent from doing so, and Syracuse did exactly that.

After converting two third downs on their opening drive (which ended with a touchdown), Clemson converted ONE third down for the remainder of the game (finishing 3-13 in that department), helping Syracuse win time of possession, 30:40 to 29:20.

No. 4: Syracuse easily won the turnover battle

A quick scan of the box score shows the Orange winning the turnover battle 2-0. However, Clemson was also 1-5 on fourth down, including three turnover-on-downs in the second half.

That's five possessions that ended with Clemson not scoring AND yielding favorable field position to the Orange. Add an interception and a red zone fumble, and Clemson had their recipe for disaster.

The Orange will try to build off this win when they host Duke on Saturday. Meanwhile, Clemson has a week off before heading to Chapel Hill to face North Carolina in an absolute must-win game.