Dabo Swinney, Clemson Tigers Fall to No. 4 Miami Hurricanes

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Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers took their second loss of the season when they were blown out by the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes, 41-13. 

Swinney and the Tigers were once consistently one of the best teams in college football, but they have struggled, especially over the last two seasons. Clemson went 7-6 in the 2025 season, and they are now 3-2 and would likely have to win out to make it to the College Football Playoff in 2026.

Their losses to the Hurricanes and the LSU Tigers earlier in the season prove they are not in a position to contend.

Clemson's offense struggled to get anything going until their touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Tait Reynolds completed 29 of 44 passes for 289 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. He also lost a fumble, which did the offense no favors.

Wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. had a strong performance with nine receptions for 152 yards, including a 55-yard catch, but it was a rough showing overall for the Tigers. It was by far his best game of the season.

In the run game, the Tigers struggled mightily, rushing for 51 yards and scoring a touchdown on 31 carries.

On defense, it was tough for Clemson to stop Miami's explosive offense. Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah completed 18 of 27 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 27 yards and a touchdown on three attempts.

Mark Fletcher Jr. did more damage in the run game, as he rushed for 77 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. 

Cooper Barkate led Miami's receivers with five receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. The Tigers held star wide receiver Malachi Toney to five receptions for 40 yards, but it made no difference in the final score.

Beyond Wesco playing well on offense and Jahiem Lawson and Andy Burburija contributing sacks for Clemson's defense, there aren't many positives to take away from this game.

The Tigers' remaining schedule doesn't include a matchup against a ranked opponent, giving them a chance to bounce back and win games. However, it would take dominant performances and some luck for Clemson to have a chance at making the College Football Playoff.

Swinney and his team are entering a bye week, giving them a chance to reset after a loss. The Tigers will look to get back on track in their next matchup on October 17th against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers.

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