Clemson’s College Football Playoff chances are dashed when the Tigers lose to South Carolina.
Clemson’s nation-leading 40-game home winning run was interrupted on Saturday when the Tigers were defeated 31-30 by rival South Carolina in a sloppy effort that virtually eliminated the Tigers from College Football Playoff contention for the second consecutive season.
The ACC winning run at home was the longest since Nebraska won 47 in a row from 1991 to 1997. Clemson squandered a 23-14 halftime lead, which was as surprising.
Clemson was 60-0 at home under Dabo Swinney when leading by nine or more points at halftime, according to ESPN Stats & Information data.
Meanwhile, South Carolina has defeated back-to-back ranked opponents, first Tennessee last week and now Clemson, its first win in the rivalry game since 2013.
Swinney stated that South Carolina “absolutely deserved” to win.
“Today was simply not our day. It was their special day “Swinney explained. “That’s how football works. You have to accept the good with the bad. It’s a terrible day, but we’ve won seven games in a row. You must not lose sight of this. We’ve only lost two home games since losing to Florida State in 2013. So it’s a tough day, but we’ll be back on Monday and continue on our way.”
The No. 8 Tigers entered the game with a slim chance of making the playoffs, but this squad never looked like a postseason contender all season. DJ Uiagalelei struggled once more, finishing 8-of-29 for 99 yards and one score with one interception as South Carolina hounded him all day. Clemson’s sole offensive weapon was running back Will Shipley, who ran for 132 yards and a touchdown.
With the game on the line late, South Carolina was able to pin Clemson deep many times, while Uiagalelei struggled to get anything going offensively.
Clemson had one more chance late, but Antonio Williams mishandled a punt with 2 minutes, 5 seconds remaining. South Carolina regrouped and won the game. Clemson gained 86 yards overall in the second half.
The Tigers committed three turnovers in total, allowing South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler to make many important passes during the game. Rattler threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns while intercepting two passes.
“We’ve had many more nice days than negative. We don’t have the right to expect things to always go our way “Swinney explain. Unlike in previous games this season, Swinney chose to remain with Uiagalelei and did not turn to backup Cade Klubnik.
According to Clemson offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter, switching quarterbacks was never really considered during the game. Swinney observed that Uiagalelei’s field position and other errors worked against them. The Tigers did have three drops in the game, their second most this season.
“A handful of terrible decisions and a couple of missed darts. That’s football, folks “Swinney explained. “It’s really fantastic when you get into a groove, and it’s difficult sledding when it’s not clicking for you.”
Swinney declined to comment on whether there will be an open quarterback battle heading into the ACC title game.
Swinney must now find a way to refocus his players on the upcoming ACC championship game against North Carolina on Saturday. This is the first time since 2012 where both teams are coming off a defeat in the championship game, which takes some of the sparkle out of this clash.
Clemson did not win the ACC last year, therefore the Tigers will have a chance to win it this year. Though he has always supported Uiagalelei, there will be fair questions regarding his quarterback position in the future.
“We’re 10-2. We’re not 0 to 10. “It’s a difficult and heartbreaking day,” Swinney added. “We all understand how important this game is, but it is entirely our obligation to assist them in pushing through, picking them up, and regaining some wind in their sails.” It’s always about the next step. Many people’s seasons are ended, but we have a championship game this week and a chance to win the ACC, which has always been a dream of ours.