Sometimes, a big step forward leads to many steps back. That could very well be the case for Syracuse’s triumph at Death Valley. Though Clemson is mired in concerns and drama, a road win against the Tigers is nothing short of an accomplishment for the Orange. However, it came with its fair share of consequences in the NCAA season.

Not only did the program’s number one signal-caller go down with a serious injury, but the school is also being forced to foot a hefty bill. The reason? The ACC believes Syracuse faked injuries during the late stages of the Clemson game. Determined to stamp out such behavior in college football, the league responded with a significant fine.

“The ACC fined Syracuse $25,000 and publicly reprimanded the school for faking injuries in a 34-21 win over Clemson last weekend, calling its actions ‘unethical and contrary to the spirit of the rules,'” ESPN reported.

Call it as you see it

Fake injuries have been a hot topic in the NCAA for a minute now. Several conferences put out firm statements last season condemning that conduct and reassuring there would be consequences for teams who were found guilty on those grounds. It seems Syracuse learned that lesson the hard way. Regardless, the game will still go up in the win column for the Orange.

After the game, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik didn’t mince words about the suspicious injuries stoppages which halted the Tigers’ drives before gaining momentum.

“Props to them, they stopped us on some third downs and then they have an injury or something like that when we really got going,” Klubnik vividly said. “That’s up to them if they want to be honest about that. It was definitely tough for us to really get in a rhythm. We’re playing fast and unfortunately they had a guy get hurt or a timeout or something like that.”

Repeat offenders

Needless to say, Syracuse didn’t reinvent the wheel. Fake injuries have been part of college football for a long time. However, the ACC’s fine brought an important precedent back to the surface.

Especially since Syracuse had already pulled a not-so-subtle double-injury stunt against the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2025 NCAA season opener. It didn’t work for the Orange then, as they lost 45–26, but this time it did—only to come back and bite them.

With that play fresh on everybody’s mind, the ACC didn’t stutter to intervene and sanction the school in Onondaga County. “The actions by the two players – especially with the concurrent action by the coach in the team area – were a clear attempt to gain an unmerited advantage by stopping the game in order to secure an injury timeout,” the league’s statement read.

According to the latest reports, the talented quarterback tore his Achilles in his most recent appearance, meaning he will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. It’s undoubtedly a devastating blow for the program.

The news was confirmed by college football insider Pete Thamel, who shared further details about this tough setback for Brown’s team via his official account on X (formerly Twitter).

“Sources: Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli will be out for the remainder of the year. An MRI has revealed he tore his Achilles in Syracuse’s win at Clemson,” the insider reported via @PeteThamel.

He also added: “He expects to have two more years of eligibility, as he expects to qualify for a medical redshirt this season.”

Who will replace Steve Angeli?

Syracuse football is turning to Rickie Collins to take the reins of the offense after starting quarterback Steve Angeli suffered a significant injury against Clemson. Head coach Fran Brown confirmed that Angeli will be “out for a long time,” making Collins the likely choice to step in as the team’s new signal-caller.

Collins, a transfer from LSU, had previously been in a tight battle with Angeli for the starting job during fall camp. While Angeli ultimately won the position, Brown consistently emphasized that he was one play away from being in the game.

What’s next for Syracuse?

Looking to bounce back from this tough setback in the best way possible, here are the upcoming matchups the Orange will have to face:

• vs Duke, September 27
• @ SMU, October 4
• vs Pittsburgh, October 18
• @ Georgia Tech, October 25
• vs North Carolina, October 31

As it turns out, the weather wasn’t about to be any less electric than the showdown on the football field. As a result, game officials announced that the contest between Syracuse and Clemson will be delayed until further notice.

“A lightning warning has been issued for the area within eight miles around Memorial Stadium,” Clemson Football announced on X. “For your safety, we ask that you please move to a safer location underneath the stadium.“

Perhaps, a pathetic fallacy taking place in Clemson. The weather has once again been a factor in a home game for the Tigers. Clemson’s week 2 showdown with the Troy Trojans had also been momentarily delayed due to lightning. Maybe it’s a sign for the Tigers to pay attention in the NCAA campaign. But then again, maybe it’s just a classic summer storm in South Carolina.

Re-focus

Perhaps, the weather delay in Clemson isn’t actually a bad thing for the Tigers. With the program struggling to start the game at home, the prolonged halftime could come in handy for Dabo Swinney to rally the troops and turn the tide in the second half.

Cade Klubnik and the Tigers got off to a slow start as Syracuse stepped into the pedal. Steve Angeli and the Orange, on the other hand, looked in full control. Holding a 24-14 lead at the time of the weather stoppage, Cuse walked into Clemson’s home decided to run the table. So far so good, but there’s much football left to be played. Though it’s unclear when the action will indeed resume.

It’s still anyone’s game, nevertheless. It could all change in the second half. The weather delay could turn out to be a momentum killer for Syracuse, who is looking for a statement win to kickstart its ACC schedule in the 2025 college football season.

Quarterback Zaid Lott, who had previously committed to joining the Tar Heels for the upcoming season, has flipped his decision and will now join the Syracuse Orange, turning down the opportunity to be coached by Belichick.

The news was announced by Mike McAllister of @SyracuseOn247, who, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, reported the player’s decision to ultimately back out of joining Chapel Hill.

“BREAKING: 2026 QB Zaid Lott (@lott_zaid) has flipped his commitment from North Carolina to Syracuse. Lott visited the Orange over the weekend.,” McAllister reported via @McAllisterMike1.

Lott’s strong message

Although the former Providence Day School player had initially committed to joining the North Carolina program, he ultimately decided to change his mind, and his destination for the upcoming season will be Syracuse.

In a statement through his official X (formerly Twitter) account @llot_zaid, he explained his decision to decommit from UNC: “After much reflection, I have decided to forgo my commitment to the University of North Carolina. This choice was tough, but I believe it’s the best step for my future. I’m grateful for the support and understanding from everyone involved. I’m excited for what comes next.”

Minutes later, also on social media, he expressed his excitement in announcing his arrival at the Orange: “I am forever grateful to finally say that I am officially HOME!!!!!”

McCord may be one of the biggest winners of the NCAA‘s Rivalry Week. Although Miami and Syracuse’s matchup was not a game reknowned for the despise between the programs, the Orange treated the match as one and walked away with the victory.

Syracuse played spoiler on Miami’s season and may have delivered the knockout punch in their College Football Playoffs’ aspirations. The Orange came back from a 21-0 deficit and defeated Miami 42-38. To add to McCord’s joy, his former school, the Ohio State Buckeyes, lost to their eternal rivals, the Michigan Wolverines, and were eliminated from the Big Ten Championship.

McCord transferred to Syracuse from Ohio State during the offseason and left the program in Columbus after three years. The senior-year quarterback has been under heavy scrutiny. Following the Buckeyes’ disappointing loss to Michigan and Syracuse’s win over fellow transfer QB Cam Ward’s Miami, McCord made a concise, yet powerful message.

“Everything comes full circle,” McCord said during his postgame press conference.

One man’s trash may be another man’s treasure. The Buckeyes lost their fourth consecutive game to the Wolverines after a frustrating offensive performance in which Will Howard and the offense scored 10 points. McCord, on the contrary, played lights out and amassed 26 completions for 380 yards and three touchdowns.

Big Ten and ACC Championship Games confirmed

With their upsetting losses during Rivalry Week, Miami and Ohio State missed out on their leagues’ title games. Both schools needed wins to clinch their spot, but both fell short in disappointing fashion. While Ohio State’s offense came up short during the loss to Michigan, it was Miami’s defense that cost them the game against Syracuse.

Big Ten Championship: The No. 1 Oregon Ducks will take on the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 7 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

ACC Championship: The SMU Mustangs will face off with the Clemson Tigers on December 7 at Bank of America Stadium.

The Golden Gophers opened the 2022 season with four straight wins, including the first of the season against a Big Ten team, the Golden Gophers’ record within the Big Ten’s West Division was 5-4.

The Orange won all of the September games and half of the October games, but after the first half of October they lost five straight games. At the end of the regular season the Orange closed with a 7-5 record.

Minnesota vs Syracuse: Date

Minnesota and Syracuse play for the 2022 Pinstripe Bowl on Thursday, December 29 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. This is likely to be a low score game as both teams have good defensive lines.

Minnesota vs Syracuse: Time by state in the US

ET: 2:00 PM
CT: 1:00 PM
MT: 12:00 PM
PT: 11:00 AM

TV Channel in the US to watch Minnesota vs Syracuse at the 2022 Pinstripe Bowl

This game for the 2022 Pinstripe Bowl, Minnesota and Syracuse at the Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on Thursday, December 29, will be broadcast in the US by FuboTV (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US is ESPN.

Syracuse won during the semifinals against Creighton in what was a tough game that ended 3-2. In addition to that victory, Syracuse won against Vermont, Cornell and Penn to reach the big final game.

The Hoosiers had to defend themselves during the early stages of the 2022 College Soccer Tournament, two wins by a single goal against St. Louis 1-0 and against Marshall 1-0 to finally win the semifinals 2-0 against UNC Greensboro.< /p>

Syracuse vs Indiana: Date

Syracuse and Indiana play for the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament Final on Monday, December 12 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. Both teams went through a tough road to reach the final, but the Hoosiers want to use home advantage.

Syracuse vs Indiana: Time by state in the US

ET: 6:00 PM
CT: 5:00 PM
MT: 4:00 PM
PT: 3:00 PM

TV Channel in the US to watch Syracuse vs Indiana at the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament Final

This game for the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament Final, Syracuse and Indiana at the WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary on Monday, December 12, will be broadcast in the US by FuboTV (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US is ESPNU

If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you can click here

Syracuse won against No. 14 Cornell in what was a tight game from the start, but that wasn’t the first time Syracuse had won against a ranked team as during the 2022 season they won against Clemson 2-0, Louisville 2-1 , Wake Forest 2-0, Notre Dame 1-0, Clemson 2-1, Penn State 1-0.

Vermont were lethal through most of the 2022 Regular Season, they are 16-3-2 overall and 5-1-1 against conference teams. Most of Vermont’s victories came at home with a record of 10-2-1. During the early championship rounds they won against Quinnipiac 3-2 (OT), SMU 3-2 and UCLA 3-0.

Syracuse vs Vermont: Date

Syracuse and Vermont play for the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament Quarterfinals on Saturday, December 3 at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse. The home team has a lethal offensive game, but the visitors have been climbing little by little within the tournament.

Syracuse vs Vermont: Time by state in the US

ET: 2:00 PM
CT: 1:00 PM
MT: 12:00 PM
PT: 11:00 AM

TV Channel in the US to watch Syracuse vs Vermont at the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament Quarterfinals

This game for the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament Quarterfinals, Syracuse and Vermont at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse on Saturday, December 3, will be broadcast in the US by FuboTV (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US is ESPN+

If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you can click here

Syracuse had to fight to the bitter end against Penn State during the Second Round game, that game ended 2-1 (extra time). The 2022 season was good for Syracuse with a record of 15-2-4 overall and 5-1-2 within the conference.

Cornell enter the third round as the No. 14 team in the nation, they won in the second round against Maryland 2-1 at home. Cornell’s record in 2022 was good at 14-3-1 overall and 5-1-1 against conference rivals.

Syracuse vs Cornell: Date

Syracuse and Cornell play for the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament Third Round on Sunday, November 27 at SU Soccer Stadium in Syracuse. This will be one of the closest games of the day, but the home team is likely to be favored a bit more.

Syracuse vs Cornell: Time by state in the US

ET: 2:00 PM
CT: 1:00 PM
MT: 12:00 PM
PT: 1:00 PM

TV Channel in the US to watch Syracuse vs Cornell at the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament Third Round

This game for the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament Third Round, Syracuse and Cornell at the SU Soccer Stadium in Syracuse on Sunday, November 27, will be broadcast in the US by FuboTV (7-day free trial). and other options to watch this game in the US is ESPN+

If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you can click here

The best way to sell this game is saying that it is a battle of undefeated teams. That fact alone proves how interesting this bout can be. Of course, the Clemson Tigers are still a bit far from the powerhouse they used to be a couple of years ago dominating the NCAA with promising future NFL stars. However, this season they have been consistent. So much so that they arrive to this duel with a 7-0 record and as favorites to get the win.

Although the Syracuse Orange can’t be discounted yet. They are also one of the only nine teams in the nation without a single loss so far. Their 6-0 record shows they may not be an easy task for the ACC leaders. The crazy stat that could give them a shot at the victory is the 13.5 points they are allowing per game. That number puts them as the fifth best defense in the country, but this will definitely be a tougher assignment for that unit.

Clemson vs Syracuse: Date

The Clemson Tigers will host the Syracuse Orange in Week 8 of the 2022 NCAA College Football Season today, October 22 at 12 PM (ET). The game will be played at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.

Clemson vs Syracuse: Time by State in the US

ET: 12 PM
CT: 11 AM
MT: 10 AM
PT: 9 AM

How to watch Clemson vs Syracuse in the US

The match between the Clemson Tigers and the Syracuse Orange in Week 8 of the 2022 NCAA College Football Season can be watched or live streamed on FuboTV (Free Trial) in the US. ABC is another option that will be available.