Dabo Swinney explodes on the sideline as Clemson loses again

Saturday’s game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson was an epic affair full of twists and turns.

Duke looked unstoppable in gaining 199 yards in the first quarter to take a 21-7 lead. But Clemson rallied with three straight touchdowns to take a 28-21 lead. The Tigers looked to be in possession again with six minutes remaining until Duke’s final drive.

The 46-45 loss to the Blue Demons was another low point in what continues to be a disappointing season for Clemson. The Tigers lost four home games for the first time since 1998.

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Seconds before the incident, cameras caught Swinney yelling inappropriately at the Clemson players.

After the game, Swinney appeared to be part of one of the more devastating struggles he had been a part of during his time coaching at Clemson. He then took away the chances of being fired after a tragic loss to Duke.

“No,” Swinney said when asked if this was the most upset season he’s had since becoming the head coach at Clemson. “In 2010, I’d put this thing and 10 right there … those two. I mean 10, brutally. We lost five games by six points or less.”

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney communicates with the referee during a game against Louisiana State University at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina on Aug. 30, 2025. (Ken Runard / USA Today Network South Carolina)

“[I] Swinney was fired today,” Swinney said as he recalled being unsure about his job status after a disappointing loss to South Carolina more than a decade ago.” So I don’t know. I’m not saying I’m going to blame him. “

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Swinney played down concerns about his career, telling Fox Carolina that he’s still focused on winning.

“We get to win some games. I’m just worried about trying to beat Florida State,” Swinney said.

Duke Running Back Nate Sheppard had a 3-Yard Touchdown with 40 seconds left, and the Blue Demons followed with a two-point conversion from Darir Hagans to Clemson for the first time since 1980.

“Going to more tests in Fie Valley is not really a good plan,” Duke coach Manny Diaz said. “Winning a law somewhere else where you haven’t been in 45 years? That’s a big step for our program.”

Duke Blue Devils Deach Manny Dia-High Figures Players Saturday, November 201, 2025, during an NCAA football game against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Memorial, South Carolina. (Alex Martin / Greenville News / USA Today Network Via imaging images)

Duke trailed 45-38 and started the game-winning streak on its 6-yard streak. Mensah led an 11-play drive where he converted small youths that started to set up Sheppard’s leaves.

There was no hesitation from Duke’s Diaz who kept the offense on the field and quickly found the Hagans with the decisive points.

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Clemson hosts Florida State next week.

The accompanying device contributed to this report.

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