Clemson had its nation-leading 40-game residence successful streak snapped on Saturday, shedding to rival South Carolina 31-30 in a mistake-filled efficiency that successfully eliminates the Tigers from Faculty Soccer Playoff competition for a second straight season.
The house successful streak was an ACC file, and the longest since Nebraska gained 47 in a row from 1991-1997. Equally as gorgeous is the best way Clemson blew a 23-14 halftime lead.
In response to ESPN Stats & Data analysis, Clemson had been 60-0 at residence beneath Dabo Swinney when main by 9 or extra factors at halftime.
South Carolina, in the meantime, has overwhelmed back-to-back ranked opponents — defeating Tennessee final week and now Clemson — its first win within the rivalry recreation since 2013.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney stated South Carolina “flat out earned” the victory.
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“Right this moment simply wasn’t our day. It was their day,” Swinney stated. “That is soccer. You have to take the great with the dangerous. It is an extremely disappointing day however we gained seven in a row. You’ll be able to’t lose sight of that. We misplaced two residence video games since Florida State in 2013. So it is a dangerous day, however we’ll present again up Monday and hold transferring ahead.”
The No. 8 Tigers went into the sport with an outdoor likelihood at making the playoff, however the fact is, this staff hardly seemed like a playoff contender all season lengthy. As soon as once more, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei struggled, going 8-of-29 for 99 yards with one landing and one interception as South Carolina harassed him all recreation lengthy. The one factor Clemson had going for it on offense was operating again Will Shipley, who ran for 132 yards and a rating.
However with the sport on the road late, South Carolina managed to pin Clemson deep a number of occasions and Uiagalelei did not get a lot happening offense.
Clemson had yet another likelihood to get the ball again late, however Antonio Williams fumbled a punt with 2:05 left. South Carolina recovered and held on for the win. Clemson managed 86 whole yards within the second half.
The Tigers had three turnovers in all and allowed South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler to make a number of massive performs within the passing recreation all through. Rattler threw for 360 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
“We have had much more good days than dangerous days. We’re not entitled for it to at all times go our means,” Swinney stated.
In contrast to different video games this season when Uiagalelei struggled, Swinney elected to stay with him and didn’t flip to backup Cade Klubnik.
Clemson offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter stated there was by no means a robust consideration to swit.ch quarterbacks within the recreation.
Swinney famous discipline place and different errors labored towards Uiagalelei. The Tigers did have three drops within the recreation, their second-most in a recreation this yr.
“Couple dangerous selections, a pair missed throws. That is soccer,” Swinney stated. “While you get in a rhythm it is actually good, and generally it is powerful sledding when it is not clicking for you.”
When requested whether or not there could be an open quarterback competitors headed into the ACC championship recreation, Swinney stated he was not going to get into it.
Swinney should now discover a technique to get his staff centered on what’s forward: The ACC Championship recreation towards North Carolina on Saturday. That is the primary time since 2012 that each groups enter the championship recreation off a loss, taking some luster off this matchup.
Clemson didn’t win the ACC final yr, so the Tigers could have a chance to win a title. Although he has defended Uiagalelei at each time, there can be reputable questions he should reply about his quarterback state of affairs transferring ahead.
“We’re 10-2. We’re not 2-10. It is a powerful day and a painful day,” Swinney stated. “Everyone knows how necessary this recreation is, however it’s completely our accountability to assist them push via, decide them up, get some wind again of their sails. It is at all times about what’s subsequent. Lots of people, their season is over with however for us, we have got a championship recreation this week and a chance to be on prime of the ACC, and that is at all times been a objective for us.”