Clemson's College Football Playoff spot might have just flown out the window, just like Georgia Tech's field goal flew through the uprights for the win. Head coach Dabo Swinney is well aware of that, hence why he looked so disgusted as he threw his headset down when he saw that the kick was good.
Clemson has now been handed its second loss of the season, and while the LSU loss is a quality one, this one will hurt down the road. Now, as a 1-2 team, with a loss in the ACC, this makes Clemson's road to the playoff that much more difficult. The Tigers already have a ranked matchup with Florida State later on in the season and with South Carolina on the slate.
With time ticking down on the clock and Georgia Tech driving, head coach Brent Key used the clock perfectly to his advantage, and instead of trying to ice the kicker, Swinney left two timeouts in his pocket, allowing the Yellow Jackets' kicker to hit from 55 yards away.
GEORGIA TECH HITS THE 55-YARD FIELD GOAL AS TIME EXPIRES TO SNAP ITS NINE-GAME LOSING STREAK VS. CLEMSON‼️ pic.twitter.com/14ywZCrWW3
— ESPN (@espn) September 13, 2025
Swinney made a bold claim about being the first team to go 16-0 this season, and now, with two losses within the first three games, it feels like the season is already gone.
It was written all over Swinney's face as he walked off the field without an ounce of emotion on his face, well, except for being so angry over losing a nine-game win streak over Georgia Tech. It seems like no one is going to want to be in that locker room with how Swinney looked walking off the field.
Now, Clemson will have to quickly turn the page and prepare to play a Syracuse team that in the past has seemed to have the Tigers' number. Luckily, Clemson will be able to return home for that matchup, but the damage could already be done for the Tigers' season.