Tigers Drop Back-And-Forth Game to Duke, 46-45
Clemson (3-5, 2-4 ACC) amassed 560 yards of total offense but conceded a touchdown and a two-point conversion with 40 seconds remaining, losing 46-45 to Duke (5-3, 4-1 ACC) at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
The Tigers held a seven-point lead following a 75-yard catch-and-run touchdown by T.J. On the next possession, Clemson forced Duke to punt. However, Clemson eventually punted with 5:19 left, pinning Duke at their own six-yard line.
Duke then mounted a 94-yard, 11-play drive over 4:39, which included two crucial fourth-down conversions and a two-point conversion that gave them the lead. Clemson's final attempt at a game-winning drive stalled, sealing the Blue Devils' victory.
Key Player Performances
- Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik completed 27 of 36 passes for 385 yards and two touchdowns.
- Antonio Williams led receptions with 142 yards on 10 catches, scoring two touchdowns—one receiving, one rushing.
- Adam Randall rushed for 89 yards and added two touchdowns.
- Defensively, Peter Woods and Jahiem Lawson each recorded a sack.
- Linebacker Sammy Brown led Clemson with 10 tackles, followed by Khalil Barnes with nine.
Duke Early Lead
Duke scored first on its opening drive when quarterback Darien Mensah connected with Que’Sean Brown on a 19-yard touchdown pass with 10:08 remaining in the first quarter.
This fast start contributed to Duke’s ability to consistently pressure Clemson and ultimately overcome the Tigers in a tight contest.
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