Clemson had ended his nation-leading 40-game winning streak at home on Saturday, losing to rival South Carolina 31-30 in an error-filled performance that effectively put the Tigers out of contention for college football for a second straight season playoff eliminated.
The home win streak was an ACC record and the longest since Nebraska won 47 straight wins from 1991–97. Equally impressive is the way Clemson gambled away a 23-14 halftime lead.
According to research from ESPN Stats & Information, Clemson (10-2) was 60-0 at home under Dabo Swinney when he led by nine points or more at halftime.
South Carolina, meanwhile, has beaten back-to-back opponents, beating Tennessee last week and now Clemson for their first win in the rivalry game since 2013.
The No. 8 Tigers came into the game with an outside chance to make the playoffs, but the truth is, this team hardly looked like a playoff contender all season. Once again, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei struggled, going 8 of 29 for 99 yards and a touchdown with an interception as South Carolina harassed him all game. The only thing Clemson was aiming for on offense was running back Will Shipley, who rushed for 132 yards and a score.
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But with the game at stake late, South Carolina managed to pin Clemson deep multiple times and Uiagalelei didn’t get much going on offense.
Clemson still had a chance to get the ball back late, but Antonio Williams fumbled a punt with 2 minutes and 5 seconds left. South Carolina rebounded and held on to victory. Clemson rushed for 86 total yards in the second half.
The Tigers had three total turnovers and allowed South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler to make several big plays in the passing game. Rattler threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions.
Unlike other games this season when Uiagalelei struggled, Swinney chose to stay with him and didn’t turn to Cade Klubnik.
Swinney must now find a way to keep his team focused on what lies ahead: Saturday’s ACC Championship game against North Carolina. This is the first time since 2012 that both teams have gone into the league game with a loss, which takes some of the luster out of this encounter.
Clemson didn’t win the ACC last year, so the Tigers have an opportunity to win a title. Though he’s defended Uiagalelei at every turn, there will be valid questions he needs to answer about his future quarterback situation.