It's been an ugly season for Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers, and today against Duke, the head coach showed his players his true feelings.
After Clemson gave up its fourth passing touchdown of the first half, Swinney was seen on the sidelines lighting up his secondary.
Here's what to know as Clemson tries to make something out of an already disappointing year.
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Dabo Swinney sideline outburst cause
The Clemson defense had an awful first half, giving up 28 points (it's highest total all season) to quarterback Darian Mensah and Duke. After Mensah's fourth touchdown of the day — a 41-yard pass to Que'Sean Brown — Swinney was seen yelling at his players on the sideline.
Dabo Swinney has officially hit a breaking point. Clemson's head coach absolutely loses it on his defense, which has given up 28 first-half points to Duke... At home. Pic.twitter.com/TJQTsnIjko
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 1, 2025
Clemson is 3-4 on the season after starting the season No. 4 in the country.
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Clemson-Duke halftime stats
The first half in Durham was defined by massive scoring drives and glaring defensive breakdowns on both sides.
Mensah was masterful, finishing the half with 241 passing yards and four touchdowns. The Blue Devils' prolific passing game consistently exposed coverage busts in the Clemson secondary, including a 77-yard touchdown pass on a wide-open receiver.
The Tigers' offense found unusual balance and explosion, racking up 142 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Running back Adam Randall was the catalyst with 90 rushing yards and two scores.
Both defenses to stop the opposing attack, with Duke essentially abandoning its run game and Clemson's defense struggling to contain the deep pass. All four of Duke's touchdowns came via the air, while Clemson's rushing attack kept them in the high-scoring affair.
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