Tigers Drop Back-And-Forth Game to Duke, 46-45
Clemson (3-5, 2-4 ACC) accumulated 560 yards of total offense but surrendered a touchdown and two-point conversion with 40 seconds remaining, losing 46-45 to Duke (5-3, 4-1 ACC) at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
Game Summary
Clemson held a seven-point lead following a 75-yard catch-and-run touchdown by T.J. The Tigers forced a punt on Duke’s next drive but ultimately punted back with 5:19 left, pinning Duke at their own six-yard line. Duke then executed an 11-play, 94-yard drive lasting 4:39, converting two crucial fourth downs and a two-point attempt to take the lead. Clemson’s final drive stalled, handing Duke the win.
Offensive Highlights
- Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik completed 27 of 36 passes for 385 yards and two touchdowns.
- Antonio Williams led the Tigers with 142 receiving yards on 10 catches and scored two touchdowns—one rushing and one receiving.
- Adam Randall added 89 rushing yards and two touchdowns for Clemson.
Defensive Performance
- Peter Woods and Jahiem Lawson each recorded a sack.
- Linebacker Sammy Brown led with 10 tackles, closely followed by Khalil Barnes with nine.
Duke Early Lead
Duke gained a 7-0 advantage on its first possession when quarterback Darien Mensah found Que’Sean Brown on a 19-yard touchdown pass with 10:08 remaining in the first quarter.
Author’s summary: Despite Clemson’s dominant offense, crucial late-game defensive lapses allowed Duke to rally and secure a narrow 46-45 victory.