Tigers Drop Back-And-Forth Game to Duke, 46-45
Clemson (3-5, 2-4 ACC) amassed 560 yards of total offense but allowed a touchdown and two-point conversion with 40 seconds remaining, falling 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. Clemson forced a punt on Duke’s next drive but eventually punted back with 5:19 left, placing Duke on its own six-yard line.
Duke then drove 94 yards in 11 plays over 4:39, converting two critical fourth downs and a two-point conversion to take the lead.
Clemson’s final drive stalled, handing the victory to Duke.
Key Player Performances
- Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik completed 27 of 36 passes for 385 yards and two touchdowns.
- Antonio Williams led the team with 142 receiving yards on 10 catches and scored two touchdowns — one receiving and one rushing.
- Adam Randall rushed for 89 yards and scored 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.
Game Highlights
“Duke jumped to a 7-0 lead on its first possession when quarterback Darien Mensah connected with Que’Sean Brown on a 19-yard touchdown pass with 10:08 on the clock.”
The game featured multiple lead changes and critical plays on fourth downs, showcasing a competitive and exciting contest.
Summary: Despite strong offensive efforts and multiple standout performances, Clemson narrowly lost to Duke after a decisive late-game drive shifted the momentum.