Clemson’s 17–10 loss to No. 9 LSU didn’t just sting on the scoreboard — it reignited doubts about whether Dabo Swinney’s program can still compete at the sport’s highest level. On3 analyst Josh Pate, appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, said the Tigers’ struggles against the SEC are more than coincidence.
“They have a scaling problem,” Pate said flatly. “They can’t scale their competition level.”
Ceiling Problems
Clemson has now lost four straight games against SEC opponents, and Pate believes the preseason buzz overlooked reality.
“Clemson last year, great year. Everyone thought they would build on that this year,” he explained. “But if you return guys who have reached their ceiling, you’re just banging your head against your ceiling again.”
Instead of showing growth, Pate argued, Clemson looks almost identical to last season’s version — talented enough to challenge for the ACC crown but not built to go much further.
Third-Down Woes
The gap shows most clearly on money downs. Against three SEC teams in 2024, Clemson went 14-for-40 on third down. Against LSU? Just 3-for-12.
“That’s the difference,” Pate said. “If you can’t extend drives against elite defenses, you’re not in the same tier.”
Klubnik’s Uphill Battle
Senior quarterback Cade Klubnik finished with 230 passing yards but failed to score a touchdown, his first scoreless game since last November. Pate compared him to LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier in 2023, who battled similar scrutiny without run-game support.
“Nussmeier was a good quarterback, but he had no run game. And the other night, Clemson had no run game,” Pate said. “When you put your quarterback in that spot, people start throwing around ‘bust’ talk unfairly.”
Good Enough for the ACC?
Pate’s preseason projection had Clemson winning the ACC and securing a No. 5 Playoff seed, only to bow out against Oregon. After Saturday’s loss, he’s not sure that projection holds.
“Sometimes you just are who you are,” he said, warning that optimism in August often inflates expectations.
The Bottom Line
Clemson remains talented and capable of contending for the ACC title. But until the Tigers prove they can scale up against the SEC, Pate says the ceiling is clear — and it doesn’t look like the national championship level Clemson fans were sold on this offseason.