Clemson Falls 46-45 to Duke After Controversial Call

Clemson lost 46-45 at home to Duke after a controversial defensive pass-interference flag on 4th-and-10 in the final minute extended Duke’s drive, allowing a touchdown and a two-point conversion that sealed the upset. Head coach Dabo Swinney blasted the call as “one of the worst” he’s seen and had an earlier sideline tirade angrily berating his secondary after Clemson surrendered 28 first-half points and multiple blown coverages. Duke quarterback Darian Mensah spearheaded the rally with multiple touchdown passes, while Clemson’s Cade Klubnik returned from an ankle injury and threw for 370 yards and two touchdowns. The loss drops Clemson to 3-5, intensifies pressure on Swinney’s staff, and frames next week’s home game against Florida State as a must-win to keep bowl hopes alive.