In a game that had everything, Clemson found the most painful way to lose. Despite putting on an offensive masterclass and racking up 538 total yards , the Tigers fell 46-45 to Duke in an instant classic that ended in heartbreak.
The offense, led by Cade Klubnik and Antonio Williams, was unstoppable, scoring 45 points and converting every time it mattered. But it was all undone by two back-breaking plays: one on special teams and one by the officials, which set up Duke's game-winning touchdown with just 40 seconds left.
Here is the breakdown of a spectacular, yet agonizing, day in Death Valley.
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1. The 500-Yard Juggernaut
For the first time this season, the Clemson offense looked like the elite, championship-level unit fans have been waiting for. They were unstoppable, balanced, and explosive, putting up 538 total yards.
- Balance: The Tigers threw for 370 yards and ran for 168 yards.
- Big Plays: The offense was electric, highlighted by Cade Klubnik's 75-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Moore and Antonio Williams' 64-yard reception.
- Finishing Drives: Most importantly, the offense was a perfect 6-for-6 in the Red Zone.
2. Antonio Williams' All-American Day
Antonio Williams put the offense on his back and delivered a heroic performance. He was Cade Klubnik's go-to target in every situation and was simply uncoverable.
- Receiving: Williams hauled in 10 receptions for a staggering 149 yards and a touchdown.
- Rushing: He added 22 yards on the ground, including a 5-yard touchdown run.
- All-Purpose: In total, Williams accounted for 171 all-purpose yards and two scores.
3. Clutch on 4th Down
When the offense had to have it, they got it. The Tigers were aggressive and executed flawlessly in high-leverage situations.
- The team was a perfect 2-for-2 on fourth-down conversions.
- Both conversions came on the same 15-play, 71-yard field goal drive, including a 9-yard pass to Tristan Smith on 4th-and-3 and a 12-yard pass to Williams on 4th-and-2.
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1. The Call That Decided the Game
This is the play that will be debated all week. Leading 45-38 , the defense had Duke in a 4th-and-10 situation at the Clemson 18-yard line with just 49 seconds left.
- The Play: Duke QB Darian Mensah threw an incomplete pass into the end zone, which should have ended the game.
- The Penalty: However, cornerback Avieon Terrell was flagged for pass interference.
- The Result: Instead of a turnover on downs, the penalty gave Duke a 1st-and-Goal at the 3-yard line. Duke scored the game-winning touchdown on the very next play. A 4th-down stop was taken off the board by the officiating crew, effectively deciding the outcome of the game.
2. The Kickoff Coverage Disaster
The Tigers' offense fought all the way back to take the lead in the third quarter, only for the special teams to give it away in an instant.
- The Score: Clemson took a 35-28 lead with 8:25 left in the third quarter.
- The Return: On the ensuing kickoff, Duke's Sahmir Hagans ran it all the way back for a 100-yard touchdown.
- The lead, which the offense had worked for over four minutes to build, was erased in just 12 seconds.
3. The Secondary's Porous Day
While the game-deciding penalty stings, the pass defense was a major liability all afternoon. The Tigers' secondary was consistently beaten over the top for explosive touchdowns.
- Duke QB Darian Mensah threw for 361 yards and 4 touchdowns.
- The secondary gave up touchdown passes of 77 yards , 43 yards , 20 yards , and 19 yards. This inability to keep a lid on the defense ultimately kept Duke in a game Clemson's offense was trying to win.