What Happened To Clemson Last Night: It is difficult to imagine a worse beginning to the 2023 season for the Clemson football team. Not only did Duke defeat Clemson in Monday night’s season opener, but the Blue Devils won by a score of three touchdowns. It was a devastating loss all around, and Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney is receiving the brunt of the criticism from supporters.
Dabo Swinney told reporters after Duke’s 28-7 victory over Clemson that it was “the weirdest game” he had ever witnessed. While Swinney stated that what he witnessed in Durham, North Carolina was “almost indescribable,” many Clemson football fans and opponents had no trouble describing what occurred.
What Happened To Clemson Last Night?
Clemson’s Cade Klubnik completed 27 of 43 pass attempts for a total of 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. After Klubnik’s shaky début as Clemson’s No. 1 quarterback, fans questioned Swinney’s team’s ability to function without a star quarterback. Fans also commented on Swinney’s stance on player compensation.
Dabo Swinney without a generational QB: pic.twitter.com/6hNTdiuHyd
— Eli Hershkovich (@EliHershkovich) September 5, 2023
Klubnik’s difficulties appeared to be exacerbated by DJ Uiagalelei’s performance in his first game for Oregon State. A day before Duke defeated Clemson, Uiagalelei completed 80 percent of his passes for 239 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in Oregon State’s 42-17 victory over Clemson.
Swinney’s national championship opponents at Clemson were guided by some of the best quarterbacks in college football over the past decade. In three years with the Tigers, Deshaun Watson scored 116 touchdowns. Trevor Lawrence has been regarded as the top NFL quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck.
Dabo Swinney, when he doesn’t have a generational quarterback pic.twitter.com/02pChKSdiN
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) September 5, 2023
Clemson qualified for the College Football Playoffs from 2015 to 2020 despite losing no more than one regular-season game. To qualify for the CFP in 2023-24, the Tigers must finish the season without committing a single error.