Clemson's Offensive Fireworks Implode in Season Opener
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In a game that left Clemson fans bewildered and scratching their heads, the No. 9 Tigers fell to the Duke Blue Devils 28-7 in a stunning opening game. Clemson's highly anticipated debut of their new air raid offense under the guidance of Garrett Riley turned into a nightmarish spectacle marked by missed opportunities and costly mistakes.
Dabo Swinney, who had been optimistic about the revamped offense, couldn't hide his disappointment at the miscues after the game. In a horrific sequence for the Tigers, they came up empty-handed twice with the ball just a yard away from the end zone.
"You’ve got to finish. Twice? 1st-and-goal from the one and we get no points? It's really discipline. You have to give them credit," Swinney admitted, acknowledging Duke's opportunistic play.
The Tigers' offense moved the ball, gaining 422 yards to the Blue Devils' 374, but failed to capitalize on multiple scoring chances. The game was Clemson’s 59th contest under Swinney in which the Tigers exceeded 200 rushing yards (213) and 200 passing yards (209), but it was Clemson’s first loss when reaching those totals in his tenure.
Additionally, Clemson was 108-0 all-time – when exceeding 200 yards in both categories entering the game.
Running back Will Shipley rushed 17 times for 114 yards and caught a career-high-tying six passes for 29 yards with a touchdown to go along with 165 all-purpose yards. Unfortunately, miscues, including two blocked field goals by freshman kicker Robert Gunn and numerous missed opportunities, were too much for the Tigers to overcome.
"If you really watched the game, you know what happened-- we just self-imploded in some critical situations,” Swinney said.
Despite the devastating loss, Swinney emphasized the need to regroup and move forward. "We've got to get back to work. Incredible disappointment. I see a lot of opportunity ahead. We just didn't do the basic routine things in critical situations. There's nothing we can do now, but move forward," Swinney said, trying to maintain a positive outlook amidst the adversity.
Reflecting on the baffling defeat, Swinney couldn't help but express his disbelief.
"I've been beat. I've had my butt kicked many times in my career. I can honestly say that's one of the strangest games I've ever been a part of," he confessed, highlighting the surreal nature of the evening's events.
When asked about Riley's performance as the new offensive coordinator, Swinney praised his composure in the face of adversity.
"He was frustrated like me. He'd probably tell you the same thing—that he's never been a part of anything like that. I thought he did a really good job. I loved his presence, demeanor, and poise throughout the whole game. Not the start we wanted. The name of the game is finishing when we’ve got opportunities," Swinney noted.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik completed 27-of-43 passes for 207 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Ultimately, costly turnovers and a crucial slide on 4th down, which was ruled short of the line to gain, proved to be the biggest takeaways.
As for fans wondering about the 4th down ruling, Swinney acknowledged after the game that it was a correct call, but Klubnik needs to have better “situational awareness” and “go get” the first down.
Despite this disheartening setback, Swinney remains focused on the future.
"I was encouraged by what I saw in the locker room from the guys who have to lead. The only thing we know is that we can't be undefeated. That's for sure. We've just got to grow from this moment," Swinney declared, hinting at the team's determination after an unexpected defeat.
For Clemson and its loyal fanbase, this game serves as a stark reminder that even the most promising seasons can have their share of setbacks. As the Tigers aim to rebound from a shocking loss, all eyes will be on how they respond in the weeks ahead and whether the new-look offense can find its stride in the face of adversity.
– Clemson’s Full Release –
DURHAM, N.C. – Duke (1-0, 1-0 ACC) took advantage of three second-half turnovers and two turnovers on downs to pull away from No. 9 Clemson (0-1, 0-1 ACC), 28-7, in the season opener at Wallace Wade Stadium on Monday evening.
In his first regular-season start, Cade Klubnik completed 27-for-43 passes for 209 yards. Running backs Will Shipley and Phil Mafah helped lead Clemson to 213 rushing yards, and with 114 rushing yards in the contest, Shipley surpassed both 2,000 career rushing yards and 3,000 career all-purpose yards.
In the early going, Clemson was able to take advantage of a Duke turnover when Wade Woodaz recovered a muffed punt on Duke’s 18-yard line with 12:21 to play in the second quarter. On the fifth play of the ensuing drive, Will Shipley got the Tigers on the board, slipping out of the backfield and taking a pass from Klubnik two yards for the touchdown and giving the Tigers a 7-6 lead. It was the 27th touchdown of Shipley’s career, but his first through the air.
Clemson’s defense held Duke out of the end zone in the first half, allowing only two field goals. The Blue Devils converted a 4th-and-7 deep in Clemson territory toward the end of the first half, and looked to be in position to take a halftime lead. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. halted the drive, forcing a fumble six yards behind the line of scrimmage. Andrew Mukuba recovered the fumble with 10 seconds to play in the half, and Clemson entered the half with a 7-6 lead.
On the first possession of the second half, Duke quarterback Riley Leonard escaped from the pocket and scored on a 44-yard touchdown run, giving Duke a 13-7 lead with 12:40 left in the third quarter. On Clemson’s next drive, Phil Mafah broke free into open field for a big 49-yard run to set up the Tigers in the red zone, but Clemson’s second consecutive blocked field goal attempt of the evening gave Duke the ball back on the 13-yard line.
The Tigers drove deep into Duke territory at the end of the third quarter and appeared poised to take the lead, but a Mafah fumble on the one-yard line ended the scoring threat. Klubnik saved a touchdown, running nearly 60 yards to track down Jaylen Stinson, but the Blue Devils added a touchdown on the ensuing six-play scoring drive.
Clemson got the ball back on their own 20-yard line with 5:43 left on the clock in search of 14 points. However, a Duke interception on the fourth play of the drive gave the Blue Devils the ball back with a two-possession lead. A 30-yard touchdown run from Jordan Waters sealed a 28-7 Duke victory.
Following a short week, Clemson will face Charleston Southern in their home opener at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 9. The game is slated to kickoff at 2:15 p.m. ET on ACC Network.