Duke Ends 45-Year Clemson Home Win Drought in Controversial 46-45 ACC Thriller

Clemson suffered a narrow 46-45 defeat to Duke, marking a significant low point in their 2025 season with the Tigers now holding a 3-5 record and facing uncertainty about bowl eligibility. The loss, sealed by a controversial pass interference call and a successful two-point conversion drive by Duke, ended Clemson's dominance at home against North Carolina teams and highlighted defensive struggles throughout the game. Coach Dabo Swinney openly expressed frustration, including a sideline outburst and candid remarks about the team's performance and his own coaching challenges, while emphasizing the players' emotional investment. Despite the loss and mounting criticism, Swinney dismissed concerns about his job security, focusing instead on upcoming games against Florida State and others. The defeat also underscored deeper issues within Clemson football, including inconsistency and the program's decline from its previous elite status in college football. Duke's victory was historic, ending a 45-year drought at Clemson and showcasing impressive offensive execution under quarterback Darian Mensah and running back Nate Sheppard.