Keys to Victory: Clemson vs. Furman

The Match-Up:

Clemson (5-5, 4-4 ACC) vs. Furman (6-5, 4-4 SoCon)

Clemson will play its final home game of the 2025 season this week when the Tigers host the Furman Paladins on Saturday, Nov. 22. Kickoff for the contest, designated as Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on The CW. Prior to the game, Clemson will honor its senior class, including athletic underclassmen on track to earn their Clemson degrees in May or December.

• When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 4:30 p.m.
• TV: The CW (Thom Brennaman, Will Blackmon, Wes Bryant)
• Radio: Clemson Athletic Network (Don Munson, Tim Bourret, Reggie Merriweather)
• Venue: Memorial Stadium | Death Valley (Clemson, S.C.)

Storylines:

A win on Saturday would be Clemson's sixth of the season and would clinch bowl eligibility for the Tigers for the 27th consecutive season, including the 2004 campaign in which Clemson declined bowl participation. Clemson has played a bowl game in 20 straight seasons, which ranks as the nation's fourth-longest active streak and tied for the 11th-longest streak in FBS history. If not for Clemson declining a bowl in 2004, the Tigers' streak would currently rank as the 5th-longest all-time.

Fun Fact:

Clemson is facing the opponent against whom the team played its first game in program history. Guided by Head Coach Walter Riggs, Clemson earned a 14-6 road victory against the Furman Purple Hurricane in the Tigers’ gridiron debut on Oct. 31, 1896.

Series History:

• OVERALL: Clemson leads series, 44-10-4
• HOME: Clemson leads series, 26-2
• ROAD: Clemson leads series, 18-8-4
• LAST MEETING: Sept. 10, 2022 (35-12, W)
• STREAK: Clemson, Won 32

Swanny’s Rant & Reality Check:

“The Tigers haven’t played well all season, but being favored by 41.5 tells you exactly where Furman stands. They’ve struggled too—and Clemson should be head and shoulders better at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Maybe Furman has a playmaker or two that pop for a moment, but all in all this is your typical Clemson blowout. 

One thing Furman will have going for them is all that purple in Death Valley. For their fans, coming into Clemson on a purple-out day will feel like home, even if it’s not a “thumbs up Furman, we’re with you” moment. The Tigers and the Paladins—once known as the Purple Hurricane—will make the place look like a storm of purple rolling through. But when the dust settles, this is still Clemson’s game all the way.”

Keys to Victory:

1. Just Have Fun

Senior Day can get emotional, and Clemson has seen before how that emotion can disrupt rhythm and focus. It’s precisely why Dabo Swinney moved Senior Day away from the South Carolina game in years when that rivalry finishes the regular season in Death Valley.

I think the big key today is that these guys just go out and have a good time playing football. Don’t focus on the finality of it all. If you do that and you begin pressing, a slow start could be in the cards.

2. Quick Strike

Clemson enters as a heavy favorite, and this is a prime opportunity to jump on Furman early and create separation. An early cushion allows the coaching staff to rotate backups, protect starters, and evaluate young players—especially with the modern redshirt rules giving more flexibility to get freshmen meaningful reps without burning eligibility.

This matters for more than development. At 5–5 overall (4–4 ACC), Clemson must win today to get bowl eligibility. With the Palmetto Bowl next week in Columbia, the Tigers would love to manage reps and keep legs fresh.

A 21-point lead should be enough to open the gates for redshirt candidates, young skill players, and backup offensive linemen. This year’s staff has worked with plenty of underclassmen throughout tight games, but today is the best chance yet to load the tape with reps, good and bad, for evaluation.

3. Stay Healthy

Clemson cannot afford attrition—not this late in the season and not with the rivalry game looming. After losing a key offensive lineman in last week’s 20–19 win over Louisville, the Tigers need to exit today cleaner than they entered.

If there is one non-negotiable goal today, it’s this one.

Prediction:

Clemson enters today aiming to extend several long-standing streaks and trends: Clemson is attempting to improve to 40–0 all-time vs. FCS teams since the NCAA split Division I in 1978.

Clemson is trying to move to 43–6 in non-conference home games under Dabo Swinney. Clemson is also seeking to improve to 33–3 in its last 36 non-conference games in Death Valley.

The Tigers haven’t consistently resembled the powerhouse teams of the past decade, but even amid an up-and-down 2025 season, the talent gap here is significant.

If Clemson plays clean, plays loose, and stays healthy, this should be a comfortable afternoon before the Tigers turn their full attention to South Carolina.

The Pick: Clemson 41, Furman 14

Season Record: 6-4

Swanny’s Predictions:

✅ = Correct Prediction