Clemson needed two first downs to keep Syracuse from getting another chance. Tait Reynolds delivered both with his legs, but Dabo Swinney saw more than a strong runner finishing a game.
He saw a freshman quarterback learning how to win one.
Reynolds converted a critical third-and-8 with 2:51 remaining, then added a 13-yard run to help Clemson drain the final 3:12 of an 18-13 victory Saturday at the JMA Wireless Dome. The Tigers finished the possession with three kneel-downs and left with their second consecutive road win.
The two conversions looked similar in the box score. Swinney’s explanation revealed an important difference: On the first, Reynolds executed a called quarterback draw. On the second, he had to make the decision himself.
“The last one, that was Tait making the right decision,” Swinney said. “And again, that just shows growth and maturity.”
Syracuse had cut Clemson’s lead to five with 3:12 remaining. An offense that hadn't scored a touchdown all afternoon now had a chance to finish the game without giving the ball back.
Clemson had tried to attack downfield throughout the day. With Syracuse running low on timeouts and facing a third-and-long, the Tigers anticipated coverage and turned to Reynolds on the ground.
“We felt like a quarterback draw was the right call,” Swinney said. “We thought they would really play coverage.”
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Swinney credited Reynolds’ patience for letting the play develop before committing to the run. The quarterback supplied the power to finish it.
“I mean, this kid is a big, strong runner,” Swinney said.
The next conversion required something different. Swinney credited offensive coordinator Chad Morris with the call, but Reynolds had to read the play and determine whether to keep the ball. He chose the run around the left side and picked up 13 yards.
Earlier in the season, Swinney said, those decisions had caused Reynolds problems. Saturday, with the outcome still in doubt, he got the read right.
“He read it,” Swinney said. “And again, he struggled with that a little bit earlier in the season. He’s just gotten better, more and more confident.”
Reynolds finished 17-of-28 passing for 161 yards and an interception, adding 61 yards on 15 rushing attempts. Jarvis Green led Clemson with 85 rushing yards, while Bryant Wesco Jr. caught six passes for 100 yards.
There is still plenty for Clemson to correct. The Tigers converted just four of 16 third downs, and missed scoring opportunities kept Syracuse within reach. Swinney praised Reynolds’ late decisions without suggesting the offense had arrived.
But on the final possession, Clemson converted the third down it needed and followed it with the read that sealed the win.
“The game has slowed down for him,” Swinney said. “It was a huge play, huge play.”
