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SOUTH BEND, Ind. — For the reason that 2015 season, when Clemson made the primary of six straight Faculty Soccer Playoff appearances, coach Dabo Swinney has endured powerful losses.
The Tigers have fallen in nationwide title video games, CFP semifinals and 5 occasions through the common season. However arguably no defeat felt as full and deflating than the 35-14 loss Saturday to unranked Notre Dame.
No. 4 Clemson fell behind 28-0, surrendered 263 dashing yards and allowed touchdowns on protection, offense and particular groups. The Tigers prevented their first shutout since 2003 however didn’t rating till 10:14 remained within the recreation.
“This was an ass-kicking, interval,” Swinney stated. “That is what it’s. Simply flat-out received our tails handed to us. That is unlucky. It hasn’t occurred rather a lot, nevertheless it’s occurred just a few occasions alongside the best way. We have handed out a bunch of them, too. Tonight, we had been the bug. We received the unhealthy finish of that deal, and we deserved each second of it.”
Clemson suffered its worst loss to an unranked opponent since falling by 24 to NC State in 2011. Though Clemson needed to rally to beat Syracuse and stay undefeated Oct. 22, the group had an additional week to arrange for Notre Dame, which had fallen to Marshall and Stanford on its residence subject.
“This was a very unhealthy day and all of the criticism was warranted and simply needs to be directed at me, interval,” Swinney stated. “This is among the most disappointing days that I’ve had as a head coach.”
Notre Dame struck first after recording its FBS-leading sixth punt block, which Prince Kollie returned for a landing. The Irish then hammered away in opposition to a Clemson protection that got here in ranked No. 7 nationally in opposition to the run, permitting solely 3 yards per carry.
Clemson quarterbacks DJ Uiagalelei and Cade Klubnik each threw interceptions that led to Notre Dame touchdowns, together with an Uiagalelei throw that cornerback Benjamin Morrison returned 96 yards to the top zone early within the fourth quarter.
“We gave up a rating on offense, a rating on particular groups and a rating on protection, that is the primary time that is occurred since I have been a head coach,” stated Swinney, in his 14th full season as Clemson’s coach. “We simply received out-coached in each aspect of the sport. That is on me. It is my duty. And I want I might say I noticed it coming. We had an ideal week of apply.”
Notre Dame operating backs Logan Diggs and Audric Estime each eclipsed 100 dashing yards in opposition to Clemson, which struggled to cowl gaps and was typically sealed on the perimeter.
“Clearly, we weren’t essentially the most bodily group, that is 100% on me, getting them ready the fitting approach,” defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin stated. “It was a mix of issues, guys getting knocked out of a spot, [linebackers] falling again within the unsuitable hole, missed tackles as nicely. We’ll personal it and transfer on.”
Regardless of being benched within the Syracuse win, Uiagalelei began for Clemson and accomplished his first seven cross makes an attempt, however just for 33 yards in windy circumstances. He had simply 41 cross yards within the first half and was changed by Klubnik late within the third quarter with Clemson down 14-0. Uiagalelei returned to Notre Dame Stadium, the place he made his first profession begin in 2020 and had 439 passing yards, a file for an opposing participant in opposition to the Irish.
Klubnik, who entered with Clemson at its personal 7-yard line, had his solely cross try intercepted by Morrison. Notre Dame scored three performs later.
“Everytime you come out the sport, you need to be the most important supporter, and provides all of the data you may to my brother Cade,” Uiagalelei stated. “He will be nice. Quarterbacks, all of us make errors, however he’ll be an ideal ballplayer. The largest factor I really like about Cade is he is aggressive.”
Swinney stated he was attempting to spark the offense with Klubnik, who “was attempting to make a play” when he threw throughout his physique and was intercepted.
Uiagalelei completed with 191 cross yards, 113 within the fourth quarter, however was sacked 4 occasions within the loss.
“Thought he held the ball a few occasions and simply took a pair unhealthy sacks the place the safety was there,” Swinney stated. “You have to do away with the ball. … I believed DJ responded. He went again in and did some good issues.”
Swinney stated Clemson will consider personnel and different areas after the loss however famous, “It isn’t all on DJ.” Clemson hosts Louisville subsequent week with the prospect to win the ACC Atlantic Division outright.
In 2021, the Tigers noticed their streak of CFP appearances and ACC championships each finish at six.
“There’s not a single aim that is not there for us,” Swinney stated. “I do know all people needs to win the nationwide championship, and we do not management that. However what we do management is attempt to win this division, attempt to win the league, the state championship and win the nearer, no matter that’s.
“While you do these issues, you may have a heck of a yr.”
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