Clemson’s nation-leading 40-game home winning streak was snapped on Saturday when the Tigers were defeated 31-30 by rival South Carolina in a sloppy performance that effectively eliminated the Tigers from College Football Playoff contention for the second straight season.
Clemson’s College Football Playoff hopes are dashed after the Tigers lose to South Carolina.
The ACC winning streak at home was the longest since Nebraska won 47 in a row from 1991 to 1997. Clemson blew a 23-14 halftime lead, which was equally stunning.Clemson was 60-0 at home under Dabo Swinney when leading by nine or more points at halftime, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.Meanwhile, South Carolina has defeated back-to-back ranked opponents, first Tennessee last week and now Clemson, its first win in the rivalry game since 2013.
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Clemson’s College Football Playoff hopes are dashed after the Tigers lose to South Carolina.
“Today was simply not our day. It was their special day “Swinney explained. “That’s how football works. You have to accept the good with the bad. It’s a terrible day, but we’ve won seven games in a row. You must not lose sight of this. We’ve only lost two home games since losing to Florida State in 2013. So it’s a bad day, but we’ll be back on Monday and continue on our way.”
The No. 8 Tigers entered the game with a slim chance of making the playoffs, but this team never looked like a playoff contender all season. DJ Uiagalelei struggled once more, going 8-of-29 for 99 yards and one touchdown with one interception as South Carolina harassed him all game. Clemson’s only offensive weapon was running back Will Shipley, who ran for 132 yards and a touchdown.
Clemson’s College Football Playoff hopes are dashed after the Tigers lose to South Carolina.
With the game on the line late, South Carolina was able to pin Clemson deep multiple times, while Uiagalelei struggled to get anything going offensively.Clemson had one more chance late, but Antonio Williams fumbled a punt with 2 minutes, 5 seconds remaining.The Tigers committed three turnovers in total, allowing South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler to make multiple big passes throughout the game. Rattler threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns while intercepting two passes.
“We’ve had far more good days than bad. We don’t have the right to expect things to always go our way “Swinney explained.Unlike in previous games this season, Swinney chose to stick with Uiagalelei and did not turn to backup Cade Klubnik.According to Clemson offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter, switching quarterbacks was never seriously considered during the game.Swinney observed that Uiagalelei’s field position and other errors worked against them. The Tigers did have three drops in the game, their second most this season.
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