Clemson went toe-to-toe with Georgia Tech in an ACC opener that had everything — explosive plays, late-game drama, and heartbreak at the buzzer. The Tigers rallied from down 13-0 to tie it in the final minutes, but a 55-yard field goal as time expired gave the Yellow Jackets a 24-21 win. Here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly:
The Good: Playmakers Step Up
Cade Klubnik kept Clemson alive with his dual-threat ability. He threw for 207 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 62 yards and another score. His connection with freshman Bryant Wesco Jr. was electric — the duo linked up seven times for 126 yards, including a game-changing 73-yard touchdown strike.
Adam Randall’s steady running (80 yards, one touchdown) added balance, and his late scoring plunge tied the game at 21, giving Clemson a chance. On defense, linebacker Sammy Brown and safety Ronan Hanafin combined for 18 tackles, keeping the Tigers within striking distance.
The Bad: Costly Mistakes
Turnovers killed Clemson. Klubnik’s early fumble led to a Georgia Tech field goal, and his third-quarter red-zone interception derailed a chance to seize control. Those miscues were compounded by shaky situational execution — Clemson allowed Georgia Tech to convert 8-of-15 third downs, extending drives that drained momentum.
Special teams also left points on the field. Nolan Hauser’s missed 52-yard attempt in the first quarter loomed large when Tech’s kicker drilled the game-winner from even deeper.
The Ugly: Failure to Finish
Despite outgaining Georgia Tech 381-358 and averaging more yards per play, Clemson collapsed when it mattered most. The defense surrendered a crushing 13-play, 90-yard drive in the fourth quarter that flipped the scoreboard and the momentum.
Then came the final dagger: a 55-yard field goal that split the uprights as time expired, sending Bobby Dodd Stadium into chaos. Clemson had the fight to rally, but once again, the inability to close out a game turned a potential road win into a crushing loss.
Bottom Line
The Tigers flashed the talent to compete, but turnovers, special teams failures, and defensive breakdowns in crunch time told the story. Until Clemson learns to finish, these late-game heartbreaks will continue to define their season.