Saturday’s game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson proved to be a dramatic affair filled with momentum swings. Duke looked unstoppable early, gaining 199 yards in the first quarter to take a commanding 21-7 lead. However, Clemson responded with three straight touchdowns to regain control and lead 28-21.
The Tigers appeared to have the game in hand with six minutes remaining, but Duke mounted a final, decisive drive that culminated in a thrilling 46-45 victory over Clemson. This loss marked yet another low point in what continues to be a disappointing season for the Tigers, who have now lost four home games for the first time since 1998.
With seconds left before halftime, cameras captured Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney furiously shouting at players along the sideline. After the game, Swinney reflected on some of the most devastating defeats during his lengthy coaching tenure at Clemson. When asked if this was the most exasperating season he has experienced, Swinney responded, “No. 2010, I’d put this one and 10 probably right there—those two. I mean, 2010 was brutal. We lost five games by six points or less, two of them in overtime. I may get fired today.”
Swinney recalled feeling uncertain about his job status after a disappointing loss to South Carolina over a decade ago. “Graham [Neff, Clemson’s athletic director] is sitting in the back there today, so I don’t know. Can’t say I’d blame him,” he added with a wry smile.
Despite the frustration, Swinney later downplayed concerns about his job security, telling FOX Carolina, “We’ve gotta win some games. I’m just worried about trying to beat Florida State.”
Duke running back Nate Sheppard scored a 3-yard touchdown run with 40 seconds left, and the Blue Devils sealed the comeback with a two-point conversion from Darian Mensah to wide receiver Shamir Hagans. This victory marked Duke’s first win at Clemson since 1980.
“Going extra innings at Death Valley isn’t really a good plan,” Duke coach Manny Diaz said. “Winning in regulation somewhere you hadn’t in 45 years? This is a major step for our program.”
Duke trailed 45-38 and began their game-winning drive on their own 6-yard line. Mensah led an 11-play drive, converting two critical fourth downs to set up Sheppard’s touchdown run. Diaz showed no hesitation in keeping the offense on the field, and Mensah quickly connected with Hagans for the decisive two-point conversion that sealed the Blue Devils’ victory.
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**Clemson Football Star Bryant Wesco Jr. Sidelined for Remainder of Season with Back Injury**
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