Clemson fans have seen this movie before: a slow start, uneven offense, and another late collapse. Saturday’s 24-21 defeat at Georgia Tech dropped the Tigers to 1–2, their second heartbreaking loss in three weeks. This wasn’t just another ACC road stumble — it was another warning sign that Dabo Swinney’s program may no longer be bulletproof.
Clemson was outscored 13–7 in the first half, and while Cade Klubnik flashed with a 73-yard strike to Bryant Wesco Jr. in the third quarter, mistakes kept piling up. Klubnik’s fumble in the first quarter led directly to points, and his third-quarter interception in the red zone killed momentum.
Cade Klubnik’s Regression
The junior quarterback was supposed to be the stabilizing star of this team. Instead, he finished 15-of-26 for 207 yards with one touchdown and one interception. While his mobility helped — 17 carries for 62 yards and a score — the rhythm never came. Against LSU in the opener and now versus Georgia Tech, Klubnik has looked more rattled than reliable.
Analysts have noted that Clemson quarterbacks are producing the fewest explosive passing plays of any ACC contender. That lack of vertical threat was evident again, with Wesco accounting for more than half of Klubnik’s yards.
No Margin for Error
Clemson actually outgained Georgia Tech 381–358 and averaged 6.2 yards per play. But the Tigers lost the turnover battle, missed a 52-yard field goal, and surrendered a 90-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown drive. When the game hung in the balance, Georgia Tech marched into field-goal range and drilled a walk-off 55-yarder.
This is becoming the defining trait of the 2025 Tigers: they can’t close. Two losses have now come down to the final snap.
Defensive Talent, But…
The defense is supposed to be Clemson’s anchor. Peter Woods, T.J. Parker, and Wade Woodaz all made plays, with the unit recording eight tackles for loss. Yet when Georgia Tech needed it most, they pounded out a 13-play, 90-yard drive capped by a 2-point conversion to take the lead in the fourth quarter.
Elite talent is there, but the killer instinct is not.
What Fans Should Worry About
Quarterback play — Klubnik hasn’t made the leap expected of a multi-year starter.
Explosiveness — Outside of Wesco, no receiver is consistently winning.
Late-game execution — Costly turnovers, missed field goals, and defensive breakdowns are piling up.
Psychological toll — Two losses on the final play can erode confidence in the locker room.
The Bottom Line
Clemson’s margin for error is gone. At 1–2 with ACC play just starting, the Tigers are staring at a season that could spiral quickly if Klubnik and the offense don’t find consistency. For a program once built on dominance, the biggest worry is that mediocrity may no longer be the exception — it might be the new reality.