Dabo Swinney erupts on Clemson defense on sideline after Duke touchdown

Dabo Swinney was animated on the sideline ahead of halftime against Duke on Saturday, screaming at his defensive unit that gave up 28 points during the first two quarters. The eruption from Swinney came after allowing a Duke touchdown during the final seconds of the half.

Clemson‘s defensive unit allowed 252 yards in the second half– including 241 through the air. Duke QB Darian Mensah has thrown four passing touchdowns during the first two quarters of play. However, the final touchdown pass was the one that may have sent Swinney over the edge.

Dabo Swinney has officially hit a breaking point. Clemson's head coach absolutely loses it on his defense, which has given up 28 first-half points to Duke… at home. pic.twitter.com/TJQTsnIjko

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 1, 2025

Clemson’s defense appeared to have Duke’s offense figured out after allowing three touchdowns in the first quarter. They held the Blue Devils to consecutive three and outs to begin the second quarter before the final touchdown in the half.

Clemson trailed 21-7 after the first quarter before the Tigers’ offense erupted for three touchdowns during the second quarter. They even out-gained Duke in total yards on offense during the first half and were tied with the Blue Devils at halftime.

QB Cade Klubnik passed for 138 yards and a touchdown in the first half. However, most of their success came on the ground. RB Adam Randall carried the ball 15 times totaling 93 yards and two touchdowns. Antonio Williams also logged three carries for 22 yards and the other touchdown for Clemson, to go with three receptions for 71 yards. He was also on the receiving end of Klubnik’s touchdown pass, which went for 64 yards.

Swinney’s meltdown comes amid Clemson’s frustrating 3-4 start to the season, including a 2-3 start against its conference competition. The Tigers have given up four touchdowns on one other occasion this season — the Sept. 20 loss to Syracuse, which the Orange won 34-21.

Still, Clemson was ranked No. 4 to begin the season. They’ve fallen well under that expectation after beginning the season with a 1-3 record. Clemson is 2-1 in the games since, and feel as though they’re in must-win territory at this point in the season. Still three wins away from bowl eligibility, Clemson has a lot of football in front of them.

Looking ahead, they’ll have Florida State, Louisville, Furman and in-state rival South Carolina on the docket before the end of the regular season. There’s still time for the Tigers to finish the season above .500, not to mention become bowl eligible.