Clearly, these are not the results expected at this point in the season—especially considering that the chances of earning a spot in the CFP are slipping away with each loss. Cade Klubnik knows this well, which is why his words following the Clemson Tigers’ defeat to Duke were filled with mixed emotions.



The senior QB is in the final year of his three-year tenure as the primary signal-caller for this prestigious program, suggesting that his future could eventually be tied to an NFL franchise in the near term.



After the game in which <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Dabo Swinney</a>’s Tigers fell at home by just one point to the Blue Devils, 45–46, Klubnik couldn’t hide his emotions—both about the current situation and what lies ahead.



“In terms of my motivation, I lean on my faith a lot and God says whatever you do, do it as if you’re working for the Lord,” he said, via The State Newspaper’s Chapel Fowler. “I’m going to continue to play quarterback and continue to lead, as if I’m working for the Lord. I think that the biggest thing, other than that, is that I love this place. I love everything about it.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Clemson QB Cade Klubnik is torn up postgame: “I love this place … it’s been a dream come true.” He says he’s only got “a few more days” as this team’s quarterback and he’s going to keep pushing, leaning on his faith after team’s 3-5 start <a href="https://t.co/9pBSwcOZ8B">pic.twitter.com/9pBSwcOZ8B</a>— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) <a href="https://twitter.com/chapelfowler/status/1984717265041059869?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



“I only have a few more days here, and I just want to give it everything I have, and I feel like I have,” Klubnik also added. “The fans that are here, the community, and everything of what it means to be here, it’s been a dream come true. So, just continue to fight for four more weeks.”



<h2>What lies ahead for Klubnik?</h2>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/highest-paid-college-football-head-coaches"></div>


Cade Klubnik is approaching a critical juncture in his career as his senior season winds down, facing the choice of declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. Klubnik began the year with considerable buzz—even being projected by some analysts as a potential No. 1 overall pick—but an inconsistent start to the 2025 season has caused his draft stock to fluctuate dramatically. 



While evaluators still acknowledge his arm talent and mobility, some recent projections now view him as a Day 2 or Day 3 selection. With his senior year experience now complete, the quarterback must decide whether his current tape is strong enough to make the leap or if he would benefit from returning for a final collegiate season. His ultimate decision will hinge on the draft feedback he receives in the coming weeks.



<h2>Bouncing back from a tough season</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson">Clemson</a> faces a pivotal three-game run that will define the end of their season, starting this Saturday with a massive home clash against heated rival Florida State. Following the primetime showdown in Death Valley, the Tigers hit the road for a tough Friday night ACC battle at Louisville. 



They then return home for a tune-up game against FCS opponent Furman before the rivalry finale. This stretch, headlined by two key ACC matchups, is a must-win for the Tigers to salvage their season’s goals.

Cade Klubnik shares heartfelt message following Clemson’s loss to Duke amid speculation about his future

Cade Klubnik shares heartfelt message following Clemson’s loss to Duke amid speculation about his future - Bolavip US

miniaturas

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Dabo Swinney</a> and Clemson are facing some of their toughest questions yet. Following a 35-24 home loss to SMU that dropped the Tigers to 4-3 on the season, Swinney didn’t shy away from responsibility or from addressing fan frustration. “We’ll be back. We’ll win more championships. We may not this year, but we’ll win more championships,” he said after the game, as shared by Chapel Fowler.



Swinney admitted he understands the anger surrounding the program’s recent struggles. “I’m disappointed, too,” he said. “There’s no quit in me, and I’m confident something good will come out of this.” It was a message of both realism and resilience from a coach who’s long prided himself on building a program with staying power.



He also gave credit to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/smu">SMU</a> and head coach Rhett Lashlee for how they performed inside Memorial Stadium. “Congratulations to Rhett and SMU. I thought they outplayed us,” Swinney said. “The one positive is I thought our guys competed our b—- off, and I appreciate that.” For a team that’s seen multiple home losses pile up, that competitiveness remains one of the few positives.



When asked what changes might be needed, Swinney kept his focus simple. “We’ve just gotta get back to work,” he said. “All we can do is watch the film, evaluate, and see what personnel changes need to be made going forward.” His words reflected a coach determined to correct mistakes through effort rather than excuses.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Clemson coach Dabo Swinney seems very confident their process is still working. What would he say to fans that are frustrated with 3-4 and feel like it’s not? Here’s his full response to my Q on that after today’s SMU loss <a href="https://t.co/dhSn9XkJ4m">pic.twitter.com/dhSn9XkJ4m</a>— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) <a href="https://twitter.com/chapelfowler/status/1979711536269783208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Swinney looks ahead as Clemson prepares for Duke</h2>



Swinney was particularly candid when discussing the defense, which couldn’t produce a crucial stop late in the game. “At the end of the day, we had four timeouts and it’s a five-point game,” he said. “We just couldn’t get the ball back.” It was a moment that summed up <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson">Clemson</a>’s current frustrations—close, but not quite enough.



Addressing the reality of losing five straight home games to power conference opponents dating back to last year, Swinney didn’t sugarcoat it. “Jarring. Yeah, jarring. But it is what it is,” he said. “There’s nothing to do but move on and try to win the next one—you can’t change those results.”



Now, with Duke coming to town next week, the Tigers are at a crossroads. Swinney’s confidence hasn’t wavered despite the setbacks. His message to Clemson Nation was clear: there’s work to do, and there’s still belief that better days lie ahead.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/highest-paid-college-football-head-coaches"></div>

Dabo Swinney breaks silence after stunning Clemson home defeat to SMU

Dabo Swinney breaks silence after stunning Clemson home defeat to SMU - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson">Clemson Tigers</a>’ season has reached a critical juncture, as any further slip-up could seriously jeopardize their playoff hopes. Cade Klubnik and his squad will host the SMU Mustangs at Memorial Stadium, aiming to secure their fourth win of the campaign.



The main concern for Dabo Swinney’s team centers around the availability of their starting quarterback. Due to an ankle injury, Klubnik’s status remains in doubt ahead of this afternoon’s crucial matchup — one that could prove pivotal for Clemson’s season.



According to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">college football</a> insider Pete Thamel, via his official X account (formerly Twitter), a final decision on Clemson’s starting quarterback will be made just before kickoff.



“Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (ankle) remains questionable for the Tigers against SMU, with his 34-game starting streak in peril. Klubnik status isn’t expected to be known until game-time, per ESPN sources, as there’s a general feeling of pessimism over his availability,” the insider reported via @PeteThamel.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (ankle) remains questionable for the Tigers against SMU, with his 34-game starting streak in peril. Klubnik status isn’t expected to be known until game-time, per ESPN sources, as there’s a general feeling of pessimism over his availability. <a href="https://t.co/n4XWZjzk05">pic.twitter.com/n4XWZjzk05</a>— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1979337250229096581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>What injury is bothering Klubnik?</h2>



Clemson starting quarterback Cade Klubnik is currently dealing with a right ankle sprain sustained late in the third quarter of last Saturday’s win over Boston College. The injury occurred after a play where he rolled onto his ankle during a nine-yard scoring attempt. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/dabo-swinney-provides-significant-injury-update-on-cade-klubnik-ahead-of-tigers-game-vs-smu"></div>


Coach Dabo Swinney confirmed the sprain, and Klubnik has been limited in practice all week, leaving his status as questionable for this weekend’s game against SMU.



<h2>Quarterback options for Dabo Swinney</h2>



With starting QB Cade Klubnik officially listed as questionable, all eyes are on the Clemson quarterback depth chart, where Head Coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Dabo Swinney</a> has confirmed redshirt sophomore Christopher Vizzina is the primary backup. 



Vizzina, a former four-star recruit, has been taking the majority of first-team reps in practice this week and is set to make his first career start should Klubnik be sidelined. While Swinney has expressed confidence in Vizzina’s readiness, the coaching staff has also prepared third-string quarterback Trent Pearman for the possibility of seeing action against SMU.

Is Cade Klubnik playing today for the Clemson Tigers against the SMU Mustangs at Memorial Stadium?

Is Cade Klubnik playing today for the Clemson Tigers against the SMU Mustangs at Memorial Stadium? - Bolavip US

It’s been an up-and-down season for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson">Clemson Tigers</a>, and from here on out, every win becomes crucial — while every loss could prove to be a significant setback. Cade Klubnik and Dabo Swinney’s squad will host SMU this coming weekend, looking to tilt their current 3–3 record back in their favor.



Right now, the main concern for the Tigers’ coaching staff revolves around the health of their quarterback. During his last outing against Boston College, Klubnik suffered an ankle sprain, which forced him to miss Tuesday’s practice.



In a recent media availability, head coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Swinney</a> addressed the possibility of having his starting signal-caller back under center at Memorial Stadium, expressing optimism about Klubnik’s chances to suit up against SMU.



“He’s sore but expect him to play (vs. SMU),” Swinney said on his press conference. “We’ll be smart with him, and we got almost a week before game time. The main thing is just getting him to make sure he’s got the plan down.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_509120_clemson-tigers-1024x576_f0bb4b76.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Clemson Tigers" class="wp-image-509170" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers.</figcaption></figure>



The second-year quarterback has played a key role in revitalizing Clemson’s offense, connecting on 81.5% of his throws for 534 yards and six touchdowns across his last two outings.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/bill-belichick-drops-honest-confession-after-unc-loses-in-humiliating-fashion-to-clemson"></div>


<h2>A turning point in the season</h2>



This weekend’s matchup between the Clemson Tigers and the SMU Mustangs is not just another game; it’s an absolute pivot point for Klubnik’s team season. A loss here would drop the Tigers to a deeply disappointing 3-4 record right in the heart of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">NCAAF</a> campaign. 



At a time when bowl eligibility hangs in the balance and the conference race is beginning to take shape, falling below .500 would be a massive setback, jeopardizing their goals and placing immense pressure on the coaching staff. For Clemson, this is a must-win contest to save their season and prove they can compete against the top tier of their conference.



<h2>Why Klubnik’s presence matters for Clemson</h2>



As Clemson battles to keep its season afloat with a 3-3 record, quarterback Cade Klubnik’s performance remains the singular key to the team’s success. Through six games, the senior signal-caller has posted solid numbers, throwing for 1,530 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and a 65.8% completion percentage. 



His ability to move the offense is indispensable; he accounts for the majority of the team’s production with 1,634 total yards (1,530 passing, 104 rushing). However, with the Tigers still chasing their championship aspirations, Klubnik must maintain his strong passing efficiency and cut down on his 5 interceptions for Clemson to climb the ACC standings.

Dabo Swinney provides significant injury update on Cade Klubnik ahead of Tigers’ game vs. SMU

Dabo Swinney provides significant injury update on Cade Klubnik ahead of Tigers’ game vs. SMU - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Dabo Swinney</a> admitted his phone hasn’t stopped buzzing since the Clemson Tigers stumbled to a 1-3 start. The longtime coach said the messages pouring in have been surprisingly supportive, including some from big names in the football world. As reported by Chapel Fowler, Swinney emphasized that these words have given him perspective during a difficult stretch.



One of the more notable texts eminded him that “tough times are a cleansing, because it shows you who’s with you.” Swinney didn’t identify the coach but made it clear the message resonated. The timing, he noted, was important as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson">Clemson</a> looks to regroup after a rocky opening month.



Swinney also mentioned hearing from what he called “a very prominent person,” though he didn’t reveal the name. That friend told him, “This is great, because you’re gonna figure out who your friends are. Love you, brother.” According to Fowler, the coach appreciated the reminder that even in tough times, support often comes from unexpected places.



<h2>Despite the Good Messages, Swinney Isn’t Happy</h2>



Following the team’s tough 1-3 start, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney was direct about his frustrations, stating, “I’m not happy with anything, because we’re 1-3.” The only bright spots he noted were the team’s punting and the standout performance of Jack Smith.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">CADE KLUBNIK THREW A DIME ON THIS TD 🎯 <a href="https://t.co/yYPvMwXNia">pic.twitter.com/yYPvMwXNia</a>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1969444311453270466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



Swinney put his team’s struggles in perspective after the 1-3 start, stating that “there’s a lot worse things in life than a rough stretch in football.” The coach said he believes this rough patch “too shall pass” and that “God never says oops.” While calling it “one of the disappointments I’ve had in a long time professionally,” Swinney maintained his faith that the experience will ultimately become a positive.



Swinney defended quarterback Cade Klubnik by stating he believes the young signal-caller is “giving us an opportunity to win.” Acknowledging the frustration of fans who “only see the bad things,” Swinney added that there is “no question” that Klubnik can play better going forward, and he expects him to do just that.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/dabo-swinney-faces-clemson-fans-with-an-apology-and-brutal-honesty"></div>

Dabo Swinney reveals his phone has been flooded after Clemson’s 1-3 start

Dabo Swinney reveals his phone has been flooded after Clemson’s 1-3 start - Bolavip US

Swinney reveals his phone has been flooded after Clemson’s 1-3 start

Every college football season kicks off with several programs emerging as serious title contenders. One of those teams is the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson">Clemson Tigers</a> — despite a start to the campaign that hasn’t quite met expectations. Cade Klubnik and head coach Dabo Swinney’s squad still hasn’t found its footing and will need to quickly make adjustments if it want to get its season back on track.


 


The recent loss to Syracuse hit hard within this successful program, with many questioning whether Klubnik should remain the starting quarterback or if, instead, backup Christopher Vizzina should be given a chance to lead the team.



During a recent press conference, questions about this situation were inevitable, but it was the coach himself who dismissed any speculation about a QB change for the upcoming game against North Carolina.



“We didn’t. I thought Cade competed his butt off,” Swinney said. “And, you know, he certainly missed a couple plays, but he made some good ones too. Made a lot of good ones. I thought he was good in the first half. Just couldn’t really get the ball and … no, I did not. We did not think about that.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250922_BUS_496278_cade-klubnik-1-1024x576_9906dc0f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Klubnik Tigers QB" class="wp-image-496360" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cade Klubnik #2 of the Clemson Tigers.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Time to raise their game</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Swinney</a> knows there’s no time to dwell on being 1-3 this season, especially with a rematch coming up soon in Chapel Hill. While the opponent will be tough, the head coach trusts his players’ talent to pull through.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/dabo-swinney-faces-clemson-fans-with-an-apology-and-brutal-honesty"></div>


“They give you eight (more games) for a reason, but we’ve got no room for error,” he said. “We’re uphill and the wind is at our face, for sure. Hey, we gotta go do it the hard way. Not going to be able to do it the easy way, but we’re not out. As long as we stay together and keep competing, anything can happen. The good news is, we’ve got a good team.



“We played a tough opener, we could’ve played East-West University, right? It probably feels different right now. We’ve got two losses that came down to the last freaking play of the game, and we’ve had opportunities in both of those games. Putting it all together has been our problem, that’s really been the frustrating thing.”



<h2>Taking responsibility</h2>



True to his style, Swinney made it clear that the responsibility for this slow start to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">college football</a> season rests with him — not his players, including Klubnik.



“It all falls on me, it’s my responsibility,” Swinney said. “I’m the head coach and I’ve been here a long time, been in a lot of games. I’ve had some 2-3 starts, in fact, in my first year and we went all the way to the ACC Championship game. I think we lost down here. We’ve had a couple of those type of moments, you just keep playing the games.


 


“I know the world we live in, I know the world we’ve created at Clemson with high expectations and excellence. I don’t have my head in the sand. I know there’s gonna be a ton of negativity, that comes with it. We can’t do anything about that, we’ve got to stay together and go play. In the end, you don’t have the start you want, but you can have the kind of ending you want. You still control that.”

Clemson HC Dabo Swinney makes major statement about Cade Klubnik’s role in upcoming games

Gridiron giants: Tracking the most successful college football programs ever

College football’s greatest records: The unstoppable moments of excellence

Clemson HC Dabo Swinney makes major statement about Cade Klubnik’s role in upcoming games - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Dabo Swinney</a> stood in front of Clemson fans and admitted the painful truth after a 21-34 home loss to Syracuse. He didn’t just apologize — he acknowledged deep flaws in his team’s performance and his own responsibility for their 1-3 start.



The head coach spoke with raw honesty, calling the outcome “incredibly disappointing” and saying his heart hurt for both the players and fans. He admitted that the Tigers simply “can’t seem to get on the same page,” a brutal assessment for a program built on unity.



Swinney pointed to both sides of the ball, praising moments of effort but stressing that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson">Clemson</a> is failing to play complementary football. Missed chances, blown assignments, and a lack of finishing drives haunted them again at Memorial Stadium.



The frustration was visible, but so was the vulnerability. Cameras caught an emotional Swinney after the game, and he admitted, “I’m human. I’m not a cyborg. I hurt for our team and I hurt for our fans.”



<h2>Swinney is Owning the Struggles</h2>



Swinney didn’t shy away from taking the blame for Clemson’s early collapse this season. He said it was his job to make them better, and right now, they are far from it. “This is not the start to our season that any of us envisioned,” he admitted.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Syracuse Orange vs. Clemson Tigers | Full Game Highlights | ESPN CFB" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZbslD2WU9-g?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



At 1-3 with two home losses already, he knows the standard is slipping. Swinney stressed that despite the frustration, his players are fighting hard, and the bye week is arriving at a crucial moment to reset both physically and emotionally.



<h2>Klubnik’s job is safe</h2>



The quarterback question also loomed, but Swinney made clear Cade Klubnik wasn’t going to be benched. Klubnik threw 60 passes, showing fight even in a flawed performance. The message from Swinney was clear: this is the group, and they must find a way forward together.



Clemson’s struggles are not just about talent but about execution and trust. Swinney revealed that even when the team anticipated a Syracuse onside kick, they failed to stop it. “We literally said, ‘don’t be surprised for a surprise,’ and they still executed it,” he said.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/highest-paid-college-football-head-coaches"></div>

Dabo Swinney faces Clemson fans with an apology and brutal honesty

Dabo Swinney faces Clemson fans with an apology and brutal honesty - Bolavip US

Swinney faces Clemson fans with an apology and brutal honesty

Dabo Swinney’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson">Clemson Tigers</a> face an urgent need to rebound after their shaky opener against LSU, as they prepare to host the always tough Troy Trojans. The home team’s second outing in the 2025 NCAAF season aims to leave a much stronger impression than their debut.



However, Tigers fans will have to wait a little longer, as the game has been delayed due to a lightning storm, and the restart is expected to take longer than initially planned.



The visitors held a 7-0 lead when it was announced that the game would be halted due to bad weather at the stadium.



Clemson started their campaign in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">College Football</a> with a 17-10 loss, also at Memorial Stadium, so they will be looking to secure their first win to dispel any doubts about their level.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">NEWS: Clemson is in a lightning warning. We are officially in a 30 minute delay as Troy leads Clemson 7-0. <a href="https://twitter.com/ClemsonTigerNet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ClemsonTigerNet</a> <a href="https://t.co/E7vhxSQF9A">pic.twitter.com/E7vhxSQF9A</a>— Grayson Mann (@gray_mann21) <a href="https://twitter.com/gray_mann21/status/1964415530909213142?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Bouncing back from the first loss</h2>



In one of college football’s most anticipated season openers, the Clemson Tigers’ national championship aspirations took a significant hit with a tough loss to the LSU Tigers. The defeat was a sobering reality check for a team with championship-or-bust expectations.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/highest-paid-college-football-head-coaches"></div>


While the offense showed flashes of brilliance, the defense struggled to contain a potent LSU attack, leaving many to question if this team has what it takes to get to the next level. Now, head coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Dabo Swinney</a> and his squad must regroup immediately. 



With no room for error, Clemson faces a must-win game next week to get back on track and prove they are still serious contenders for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Why was the Clemson vs. Troy game delayed in Week 2 of the 2025 NCAAF season?

Why was the Clemson vs. Troy game delayed in Week 2 of the 2025 NCAAF season? - Bolavip US

It wasn’t the debut either team had hoped for — not for the Clemson Tigers, nor for the Texas Longhorns. Clemson fell to LSU, while <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/arch-manning">Arch Manning</a> and the Longhorns came up short against Ohio State. In fact, Manning’s performance quickly became the focal point of postgame discussions, drawing significant criticism — something head coach Dabo Swinney took time to thoughtfully address.


 


Cade Klubnik’s performance also came under scrutiny, prompting his current head coach to step up in defense of both young quarterbacks. Swinney emphasized that despite the early struggles, both Manning and Klubnik possess the talent and potential to thrive at the highest level of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">college football</a>.



“None of that stuff matters, but these are young people, right? These are kids,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Swinney</a> said during his press conference. “They’re not robots. I mean, I know we have so much talk about Arch, right? Arch Manning is gonna be a freaking superstar. 



“And people that don’t believe that, they’re just stupid. He’s gonna be a superstar …But, what’s been put on this kid? I mean, like, I mean, it’s unbelievable. And all sudden, now it’s like, okay, you make a bad play or, I mean, the guys just playing, it’s the same thing with our guy, you know?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250903_BUS_484263_cade-clubnik-dabo-swinney-1024x576_8d0bd7e8.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Dabo Swinny with Cade Clubnik" class="wp-image-484304" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers looks on with Cade Klubnik #2.</figcaption></figure>



He also added: “Like he’s the worst quarterback in the history of football and then he goes to, now he’s a Heisman guy, now he sucks again. So that’s football. But you just, you just have to learn how to manage that stuff … This is what you sign up for … This is what we do … this is our world. You fail in front of everybody, and you succeed in front of everybody, and you got to be able to handle both of those things.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/texas-hc-steve-sarkisian-lays-out-blueprint-for-arch-manning-to-turn-the-page-after-concerning-outing-vs-ohio-state"></div>


<h2>A tough start for Manning</h2>



Manning’s debut with the Longhorns was a tough one. The highly-touted freshman quarterback, struggled to find his rhythm in a gritty 14-7 loss to the Buckeyes. The Texas offense stalled repeatedly, managing only a single touchdown as Manning faced consistent pressure and the Texas offensive line failed to open up lanes for the running backs. 



It was a challenging welcome to college football for Manning as a starter, who will need to quickly adjust to the speed and physicality of the game if the Longhorns hope to contend for a championship.



<h2>Sarkisian’s frustration</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/steve-sarkisian">Steve Sarkisian</a> is well aware of what it means to have a Manning under center for the Longhorns this season — and the pressure that comes with it. That’s why he didn’t hide his frustration after watching his quarterback struggle to find his footing throughout the game against the Buckeyes.



“I was pretty frustrated coming out at the first half,” Sarkisian said. “Because I felt like we had a good plan. But I wasn’t mad in the sense I felt like, if I could just calm Arch and get him into a space. That’s why we met him directly at halftime. Like I said, I thought we played a really good second half.



“If you would have told me we were going to go out and have just about 260 yards in the second half against that defense, but only score seven points, that’s where the disappointment came in that we weren’t able to get more points. Our ability to move the football in the second half.”


 


<h2>More opportunities ahead</h2>



Despite a shaky debut for Manning and his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/texas-longhorns">Longhorns</a>, Sarkisian’s team faces a series of upcoming games where the quarterback could begin to unlock his full potential — if he’s able to rise to the challenge.



<ul><li>vs San Jose State, September 6</li><li>vs UTEP, September 13</li><li>vs Sam Houston, September 20</li><li>@ Florida, October 4</li><li>@ Oklahoma, October 11</li></ul>


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68b849347193bec65e18d766" data-title="Can Manning’s Longhorns make a big splash this College Football season?" data-options="2"></div>

Clemson HC Dabo Swinney turns heads with blunt admission about Arch Manning after tough debut

Arch Manning’s net worth: How much money does the Texas Longhorns quarterback have?

Steve Sarkisian&#039;s net worth: How much money does the Texas Longhorns head coach have?

Clemson HC Dabo Swinney turns heads with blunt admission about Arch Manning after tough debut - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Dabo Swinney</a> didn’t hold back following Clemson’s 17-10 season-opening loss to LSU at Memorial Stadium. “They all sting. I hate to lose, period,” the Tigers’ head coach said. “I don’t regret playing games like this. I love playing games like this. I really do.”



Swinney stressed that the matchup was a battle of equals. “It was a heavyweight fight as far as a football game,” he said. “It was two top 10 teams on the field tonight battling it out. It was tied in the fourth quarter.” But a handful of mistakes cost <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson-tigers">Clemson</a> late.



“Give credit to LSU,” Swinney added. “They just made a couple more plays, and we made a couple more critical errors. In games like this, that’s what it’s going to come down to.” Despite the disappointment, he said his team will grow from the experience.



<h2>Clemson must regroup quickly</h2>



Swinney admitted frustrations with Clemson’s offense, particularly the ground game. “We didn’t get the run game going,” he said. The Tigers rushed 20 times for just 31 yards. “Plenty of opportunities, and we missed our opportunities. We didn’t run the ball effectively at all.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="LSU 17, Clemson 10: Dabo Swinney postgame Q&amp;A" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/29im9uMYSRU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



Quarterback Cade Klubnik’s performance also drew Swinney’s attention. “Gotta be better. Just gotta be better,” he said of the junior signal-caller. “He’d be the first one to tell you that.” Still, he praised his players for battling to the end despite offensive struggles.



The coach also pointed to positives on defense, though penalties proved costly. “I really thought we did a lot of great things defensively. Just too many costly penalties. Those are plays that can haunt you.” Clemson now turns the page quickly, with its next game set for September 9 at home against Troy.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/highest-paid-college-football-head-coaches"></div>

Swinney gets brutally honest after loss to LSU: ‘I hate to lose’

Clemson HC Dabo Swinney gets brutally honest after loss to LSU: ‘I hate to lose’ - Bolavip US

Clemson HC Dabo Swinney gets brutally honest after loss to LSU: ‘I hate to lose’

The Clemson Tigers are hungry for revenge. They know they didn’t meet their expectations last season, which is why they are confident about going further in the 2025 NCAAF season. Fortunately for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Dabo Swinney</a>, QB Cade Klubnik will be with the program for at least one more year, something the coach never doubted.



There was much talk about Klubnik potentially leaving in search of new opportunities this season, but Swinney always knew he would return to the Tigers, and now both will give their all to achieve great results alongside the rest of the team.


 


“Didn’t have a reaction, because I knew he was coming back, so there was never any doubt that he was coming back,” Swinney said in the press conference. “So there really was no reaction. It was just, it was, I mean, I knew he was coming back.”



After having the best season of his career last year, the talented quarterback is confident he can replicate his success and, why not, improve on it even further. Swinney knows that one of the reasons he will represent the program once again is because of the culture surrounding <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson-tigers">Clemson</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250304_BUS_348586_Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-1024x576_f8fbd752.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Dabo Swinney Cade Klubnik" class="wp-image-323515" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dabo Swinney (R) of the Clemson Tigers talks with Cade Klubnik #2 after a play against the Tennessee Volunteers at the end of the first half of the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.</figcaption></figure>



“I mean, it just speaks to the culture here,” Swinney said. “I mean, we’ve had seismic changes in college football the last few years. I mean, like in the history of the game, and I think we’ve been top in the country, you know, top couple (of teams) in the country the last two years, in retention. So, I mean, I think it kind of answers itself. It’s not like we lock them in a room here and tell them they can’t ever leave. These guys leave anytime they want, you know?”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/alabama-hc-kalen-deboer-sends-strong-reminder-to-crimson-tide-qbs-amid-battle-for-starting-job"></div>


<h2>Swinney reflects on the value of being at Clemson</h2>



In an era where many players switch programs from one moment to the next due to the Transfer Portal, Dabo Swinney, one of the critics of this process, made it clear that being part of the Clemson program can mean a lot for the players who experience it.



“I think we’re relationship driven, we’re purpose driven, and the kids … it also speaks to how we do things on the front end,” Swinney said. “There’s a transaction, but it’s not transactional here, which is not, I mean, it’s relationships. And, you know, we’ve created an environment where the kids can calculate a cost and a consequence of leaving. You know, there’s value in being here, there’s value in the place, there’s value in the people. And that’s not easy to have.”



<h2>The Spring Games according to Swinney</h2>



One of the off-season storylines in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">College Football</a> revolves around the Spring Games: some argue that they should be canceled, while others, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football/wolverines-hc-sherrone-moore-sends-strong-message-about-spring-games-takes-subtle-shot-at-matt-rhule">like Sherrone Moore, support these events with a strong message</a>.



Dabo Swinney, to some extent, joins the group that supports this part of the process, and he made firm comments in recent statements to the press.



“We’re going to have a spring game and I hope we can have some type of fan day with it as well,” the HC stated. “I don’t know, we’ll see. Listen, whether you have a spring game or not it’s going to be tampering.”


 


“Ain’t nobody going to go look at the spring game, go, ‘Oh yeah, boy,’” he also added. “They got PFF. That’s called PFF, they’ve got everything on everybody already. Canceling the spring game ain’t going to stop tampering. We’re going to need a lot more help than that to stop tampering. And hopefully at some point that’ll happen.”

Clemson HC Dabo Swinney makes something clear about Cade Klubnik ahead of the 2025 NCAAF Season

Arch Manning&#039;s relationship to NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning: A look at their family legacy

Clemson HC Dabo Swinney makes something clear about Cade Klubnik ahead of the 2025 NCAAF Season - Bolavip US

The NCAAF season has come to an end, and many will be seeking redemption in a few months. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson-tigers">Clemson Tigers</a> are one of the most traditional programs in the country, which is why many choose to join in hopes of achieving great athletic results and excellent development. Cade Klubnik, the talented quarterback of the team, made it clear why he chose to be a part of this program.


 


When making the jump from high school to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">College Football</a>, players carefully analyze their options to make the right decision for their future. In a recent interview on the Field Talk Podcast with ESPN’s Field Yates, Klubnik highlighted the reasons why he ultimately chose to join Dabo Swinney’s team.



“I remember Clemson, the reason I really wanted to come here was because I felt like through those conversations, with a lot of coaches and everything, I felt like, at times, I was just a name on a checklist,” Klubnik said.



“I felt like at times I was just a person somebody would call on Tuesday at 2 o’clock, talk to me for 30 seconds and say, ‘Alright, talk next week.’ Where I talked to Coach Streeter, I talked to Coach Elliott, the conversations I had with Coach Swinney later in my recruitment — Coach Streeter would talk to me about, ‘How’s your family doing? How’s your brother doing?’



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250128_BUS_323458_Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-1024x576_96bae244.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Dabo Swinney Cade Klubnik" class="wp-image-323515" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28151020/Cade-Klubnik-Dabo-Swinney.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dabo Swinney (R) of the Clemson Tigers talks with Cade Klubnik #2 after a play against the Tennessee Volunteers at the end of the first half of the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.</figcaption></figure>



“It was a very intentional conversation about wanting to know me as a person, not just football or whatever. Just the culture of what Clemson was, and just through a phone call, I knew that was just a tiny, tiny part of what it was going to be whenever I got here, and I just felt something was different.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/ncaaf-news-jalen-milroe-reveals-a-personal-secret-with-strong-admission-about-lamar-jackson"></div>


<h2>Swinney adds a new member to his staff</h2>



With the main goal of improving the campaign where the Tigers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Texas, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Dabo Swinney</a>’s coaching staff added Tom Allen as the new defensive coordinator, coming from Penn State.



After his arrival at Clemson, Allen spoke with the press during his introduction and shared his thoughts on this new chapter in his career: “Yeah, it was totally unexpected to be honest with you. I know not everybody’s going to understand it, and I respect that. But what I said earlier was really the bottom line: it’s about my family,” the DC said.


 


“And the timing of it all, when you do this as long as I have, and you get to the point where you’ve had some great opportunities and experiences, you care about having your family as close as you can. And sometimes that’s not even possible. So, for my wife to be able to see her grandchildren on a consistent basis, you can’t replace that.”



<h2>Dabo Swinney followed Matt Luke’s advice</h2>



Tom Allen and Matt Luke shared a staff back in 2012 at Ole Miss, and this was one of the reasons why HC Dabo Swinney spoke with Luke before hiring Allen, to get a better understanding of what the new defensive coordinator could bring to the program.



Regarding this situation, Swinney stated: “So once I kind of got it down to a few people — I have a very tight circle. And I did talk to Matt. And sworn to secrecy, pinky swear. You can’t break a pinky swear.



“But no, Matt, he just couldn’t say enough great things about him. I talked to everybody he’s pretty much worked with. But Matt certainly gave me a lot of good insight, as well.”

Cade Klubnik makes something clear about his decision to join the Clemson Tigers

Bill Belichick’s salary: How much does the North Carolina Tar Heels coach charge?

The 30 highest-paid college football head coaches: Who&#039;s earning the most?

NCAAF News: Cade Klubnik makes something clear about his decision to join the Clemson Tigers - Bolavip US

NCAAF News: Cade Klubnik makes something clear about his decision to join the Clemson Tigers

After being defeated by the Longhorns in the first round of the CFP, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson-tigers">Clemson Tigers</a> officially ended their participation this season in the NCAAF. With the main goal of improving the campaign next year, Dabo Swinney decided to bring new faces to his staff and, moreover, proudly highlighted his achievements with the program.


 


Since his arrival at Clemson back in 2008, the successful coach has achieved 180 wins and 47 losses, numbers highly enviable by anyone. Not only that, he managed to win the National Championship in both 2016 and 2018, and also secured seven playoff appearances.



Despite all these great achievements for the Tigers, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Swinney</a> wants more and decided to add former Penn State Nittany Lions coach Tom Allen as the new defensive coordinator for his team. When asked by the press about this decision, the coach expressed the need to continue improving in all areas.



“…but we’re always striving to get better,” Swinney said. “And each and every year we, you know, I try to do what I need to do to, you know, help us do just that. Keep growing, keep getting better. And it felt like I needed to have a change in leadership on the defensive side this year. And so, I decided to make that change.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250120_BUS_317648_Dabo-Swinney-1-1024x576_693b6c33.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-317679" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20092018/Dabo-Swinney-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20092018/Dabo-Swinney-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20092018/Dabo-Swinney-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20092018/Dabo-Swinney-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20092018/Dabo-Swinney-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20092018/Dabo-Swinney-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20092018/Dabo-Swinney-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20092018/Dabo-Swinney-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Texas Longhorns in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Texas defeated Clemson 38-24.</figcaption></figure>



Clemson’s last season ended with a positive record of ten wins and four losses. Unfortunately for them, their playoff run was short-lived, as they were decisively defeated by the Texas Longhorns 38-24.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/former-aggies-icon-johnny-manziel-makes-bold-confession-about-longhorns-qb-arch-manning"></div>


<h2>Swinney’s impact on Clemson</h2>



Undoubtedly, the name of Dabo Swinney in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">College Football</a> is one of the most relevant, at least in recent years. His impact was clear, to the point that the head coach himself believes his program is one of the most important in the country.


 


“You know, I think it’s important to step back from emotional things,” Swinney said. “And, you know, keep a good perspective on the good, the bad, but evaluate you always set your eyes forward on what you got to do to get better. We’ve been to seven CFPs in the past 10 years, six Final Fours, four final twos, and two national championships.



“And I’ve won this league eight out of the last 10 years. So we’ve done a lot of great things, and we’ve created, you know, a high standard and high expectations. And so again, there’s not a program out there that’s been more consistent than us, and we’re really proud of that.”

NCAAF News: Clemson HC Dabo Swinney makes something clear about changes to his staff

NCAAF News: Clemson HC Dabo Swinney makes something clear about changes to his staff - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Dabo Swinney</a> and the Clemson Tigers captured another ACC Championship, this time defeating SMU in a thrilling game. The Mustangs pushed hard to force overtime, but the Tigers held on, escaping with the win thanks to a clutch field goal.



In his first remarks after the victory, Swinney praised SMU, calling them a playoff-caliber team and stating, “Listen, that’s a playoff football team [SMU], they better be in the playoffs.” It’s now up to the CFP Committee to decide their fate.



The Tigers were dominant in the first half, heading into the break with a 24-7 lead. However, the Mustangs mounted a spectacular comeback, scoring 24 points across the third and fourth quarters. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson">Clemson</a>’s offense managed just 10 points in the second half. Reflecting on the game, Swinney said, “What a comeback by those guys.”



Despite the close finish, Swinney expressed pride in his team and showed gratitude following Nolan Hauser’s game-winning field goal. The head coach said, “I’m proud of our guys. We fought all night to get back here and secure a 10th win—eight ACC titles in ten years—and we’re headed to the playoffs for the seventh time. I’m just proud of the heart of our guys.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="&apos;We thought the door was closed&apos; - Dabo Swinney reacts to Clemson winning the ACC | ESPN CFB" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MQDYjGfGO64?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h2>When will the 2024 CFP selections be announced?</h2>



The final rankings will be revealed on December 8. SMU was ranked No. 8 in the Week 13 standings, so despite the loss to Clemson, the Mustangs still have a strong chance of making the playoffs.



<h2>How many CFP National Championships has Clemson won under Dabo Swinney?</h2>



Since Swinney took over as head coach, Clemson has won two CFP National Championships. The first came in 2016 with a 35-31 victory over Alabama, and the second was a dominant 44-16 win over Alabama in 2018.

NCAAF News: Dabo Swinney sends message to CFP committee about SMU after ACC title win

NCAAF News: Dabo Swinney sends message to CFP committee about SMU after ACC title win - Bolavip US

Clemson head coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dabo-swinney">Dabo Swinney</a> did not hold back in assessing his team’s performance following a tough 17-14 loss to South Carolina at home. The defeat marked Clemson’s third of the season and second at Memorial Stadium, yet Swinney remained focused on the bigger picture: the upcoming ACC Championship.



“It was a great college football game,” Swinney said in his post-game press conference. “Both teams wanted it, and both teams competed with everything they had. But they made the critical plays that ultimately made the difference.” He acknowledged the brilliance of South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, whose athleticism reminded Swinney of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> star Cam Newton.



Swinney also highlighted several missed opportunities that proved costly. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson">Clemson</a> had multiple chances to capitalize but failed to convert critical plays. “We had a fourth-and-inches, and we believed in going for it,” Swinney said. “If I kick the field goal, you’re probably asking why I didn’t go for it. Those are decisions you make in the moment, and we just didn’t execute.”



Swinney pointed to Clemson’s defensive effort, noting that despite several questionable officiating calls, the team had plenty of opportunities to secure a win. “There were a few calls today that were, let’s just say, interesting,” Swinney said. “But we had every chance to win the game regardless.” He praised his defense for forcing turnovers but lamented their inability to contain Sellers in key moments.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="South Carolina 17, Clemson 14: Dabo Swinney postgame Q&amp;A" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OHwL7PeZhRI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h2>Swinney supports Cade Klubnik</h2>



Swinney also defended his quarterback Cade Klubnik, who led a late drive but made a critical error in the final moments. “He’ll learn from that,” Swinney said. “He should’ve thrown it away, but instead, we’re in a situation where we couldn’t capitalize. He’s made a lot of great plays this season, and I know this one will be magnified, but he’ll grow from it.”



<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>



Despite the disappointment, Swinney turned his attention to the future, particularly the ACC Championship. “Our guys competed their tails off today,” he said. “We still have a lot to play for, and I’m proud of how they battled. Sometimes you just get beat.” As Clemson prepares for SMU, Swinney’s message was clear: adversity is part of football, and the Tigers will use this loss as fuel. “We’ve got a great group of players, and we’re not done yet.”

Dabo Swinney shows signs of frustration in press conference following Clemson’s loss to South Carolina

Dabo Swinney shows signs of frustration in press conference following Clemson’s loss to South Carolina - Bolavip US

Latest news from dabo swinney. Find out about all the news related to dabo swinney on bolavip.com/en