Tigers Drop Back-And-Forth Game to Duke, 46-45
Clemson (3-5, 2-4 ACC) amassed 560 yards of total offense but fell short in a 46-45 loss to Duke (5-3, 4-1 ACC) at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Despite holding a seven-point lead after a 75-yard catch-and-run touchdown by T.J., Clemson allowed a touchdown and two-point conversion with 40 seconds left, which decided the outcome.
Key Moments and Drives
The Tigers forced Duke to punt on the next drive but later punted from their own territory with 5:19 remaining, giving Duke the ball on its six-yard line. The Blue Devils responded with a 94-yard, 11-play drive over 4 minutes and 39 seconds, converting two crucial fourth downs and a two-point conversion to take the lead.
Clemson’s final attempt at a game-winning drive stalled, handing Duke the victory.
Individual Performances
- Cade Klubnik completed 27 of 36 passes for 385 yards and two touchdowns.
- Antonio Williams led with 142 receiving yards on 10 receptions and scored two touchdowns (one receiving, one rushing).
- Adam Randall rushed for 89 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Defensive Highlights
- Peter Woods and Jahiem Lawson each recorded a sack.
- Linebacker Sammy Brown led with 10 tackles, followed by Khalil Barnes with nine.
"Duke jumped to a 7-0 lead on its first possession when quarterback Darien Mensah connected with Que’Sean Brown on a 19-yard touchdown pass with 10:08 on the clock."
Author's summary: Clemson’s strong offensive effort was not enough to overcome a late, decisive Duke drive, resulting in a narrow 46-45 loss despite standout performances from Klubnik and Williams.