Second half thread: Clemson 30, Syracuse 0

The Syracuse Orange were already struggling in the early goings of this contest against the Clemson Tigers. But then Eric Dungey was hit by two Clemson defenders on a run, was down on the turf for several minutes, and then headed back to the locker room after that. He later returned to the sideline in street clothes, and his day is over. SU hasn’t shared an update on his condition at this time.

That was when it was 10-0. The score now? 30-0. With Austin Wilson manning the offense, Syracuse’s momentum was non-existent as the team grasped at simple runs and screens. Dungey was 6-for-9 for 48 passing yards and an interception when he exited the game. Wilson is 8-for-14 for 48 passing yards an an interception as well — the pick a back-breaker in Clemson territory after a big kick return from freshman Sean Riley.

Amba Etta-Tawo has four catches for 35 yards on the day, and is knocking on the door of breaking Syracuse’s single-season reception and yardage records in this game. Ervin Philips and Dontae Strickland have also caught four balls apiece.

Defensively, the Orange have been carved up pretty badly by Deshaun Watson and backup Nick Schuessler. The Tigers have 396 total yards, including 259 through the air, and would be up by another four points if not for a missed field goal and a missed extra point. Watson fell hard on his shoulder in the second quarter, and went back to the locker room, giving way to Schuessler. Clemson did not let up with the reserve QB brought in, however.

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This game’s pretty much lost at this point, unfortunately, barring some stunning turn of events in the second half. Without Dungey for the rest of the contest, the offense has little chance to move the ball well enough to get back in this. And with the defense struggling to generate pressure or make stops against Clemson, it’s hard to hold out much hope.

Dungey being on the sideline probably rules out a concussion (which is good), but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t have a different long-term injury. At this juncture, let’s just get out of this one without any more injuries and try to put some points on the board in the process.

We’ll be here through the rest of the game despite the dire outlook. Hopefully you join us while continuing to root on Syracuse.