Should Clemson have been called for pass interference late in its 46-45 loss to Duke on Saturday?
The Tigers were leading 45-38 and Duke was facing a 4tth-and-10 at the Clemson 18. Duke quarterback Darian Mensah threw the ball over the middle and out of the reach of Que'sean Brown as defensive back Aveion Terrell fell. Clemson was celebrating on the sidelines, but failed to see a flag thrown and Terrell was called for pass interference, giving the Blue Devils a first down. On the next play, Nate Sheppard rushed for a three-yard touchdown.
Now we have a slow-motion replay of the controversial pass interference call and, to no one's surprise, it's got Clemson fans bent out of shape.
hahahhaa HOW https://t.co/IzxQEJZL1v pic.twitter.com/vF0npBFHcT
— Liam Blutman (@Blutman27) November 1, 2025
Dabo Swinney couldn't believe the call
Dabo Swinney was absolutely livid when the penalty was called and that frustration boiled over to the post-game press conference, where he blasted the officials again.
"I mean, we had plenty of opportunities to win the game, but… But you fight your butt off, and you scratch, and you call, and you get in a situation like that, and you just have… You have… you have a call like that."Dabo Swinney
Swinney's frustration is understandable. It seems like Clemson has been fighting behind the eight-ball all season long. The Tigers are 3-5 and will need to win three of their final four against Florida State, Louisville, Furman and South Carolina to become bowl eligible.
Fans are equally frustrated in 'lost' season
No one can say Clemson isn't trying. The Tigers have given up on Swinney and vice versa. They trailed 21-7 in the first half Saturday and ran off three straight touchdowns to take the lead. From there, the teams traded scores, and it came down to whoever had the ball last. But Clemson fans are used to winning and it isn't happening this year.
There should be an investigation like the SEC ref leading to his dismissal. But in the end, it will still be a loss for Clemson.
— KeoweeGal (@KeoweeSCgal) November 1, 2025
So, does that loss officially put Clemson on the clock with a Dabo decision? Given that last few weeks, the seat is now 🔥!
— Rob Yowell (@RBYowell2) November 1, 2025
Clemson really just lost this game man Dabo gotta be gone this type of loss is just unbelievable unacceptable to duke nahh
— Lil.Marquis (@obeyquis) November 1, 2025
Despite fan frustration, the chances of Clemson actually firing Swinney, much less dismissing him during the season, are very slim. Swinney has two champions and a ton of playoff appearances that have given him a good bit of runway. However, changes will have to be made in and around the football program to stay up to date with the times. Dabo has been reluctant to change, but one can hope he hates losing even more.