Tigers Drop Back-And-Forth Game to Duke, 46-45

Clemson (3-5, 2-4 ACC) amassed 560 yards of total offense but allowed a touchdown and a two-point conversion with 40 seconds remaining, resulting in a narrow 46-45 loss to Duke (5-3, 4-1 ACC) at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Clemson held a seven-point lead after a 75-yard catch-and-run touchdown by T.J. The Tigers forced a punt on Duke’s next drive but eventually returned the ball with 5:19 left, pinning Duke at their own six-yard line. Duke responded with a 94-yard, 11-play drive over 4:39, converting two critical fourth downs and a two-point conversion to seize the lead.

Clemson’s attempt to mount a game-winning drive fell short, handing Duke the victory.

Key Player Performances

Cade Klubnik went 27-for-36 passing for 385 yards and two touchdowns.
Antonio Williams led Clemson with 142 receiving yards on 10 catches, scoring two touchdowns—one receiving and one rushing.
Adam Randall rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensive Highlights

Peter Woods and Jahiem Lawson recorded a sack each.
Linebacker Sammy Brown led with 10 tackles, followed by Khalil Barnes with nine.

Game Start

Duke opened the scoring when quarterback Darien Mensah connected with Que’Sean Brown on a 19-yard touchdown pass with 10:08 remaining in the first quarter.

Clemson “piled up 560 yards of total offense but allowed a touchdown and two-point conversion with 40 seconds to play in a 46-45 loss to Duke.”

Author’s summary: Despite dominating offensively, Clemson fell short due to late defensive lapses, handing Duke a narrow 46-45 victory in a thrilling ACC showdown.

Clemson University Athletics — 2025-11-02