Dabo Swinney faces critical decisions after Clemson’s narrow 24-20 win over Pitt on Saturday. CTThe victory kept the Tigers’ faint ACC Championship hopes alive but also spotlighted growing frustrations with the program’s recent struggles. Clemson has captured just one ACC title in the last three years, and its playoff chances this season remain on life support.
Despite leading 17-7 at halftime, the offense sputtered in the second half, while the defense allowed Pitt to rally with 13 unanswered points, putting Clemson behind 20-17 with just 1:36 remaining. However, quarterback Cade Klubnik delivered in the clutch, connecting with Antonio Williams for 18 yards and then breaking free for a 50-yard touchdown run to secure the win.
Even so, the performance has done little to ease fan discontent. Many are calling for sweeping changes, including new leadership for Defensive Coordinator Wes Goodwin and Wide Receivers Coach Tyler Grisham, as well as a greater focus on using the Transfer Portal to strengthen the roster. Injuries to key players like Tristan Leigh, Marcus Tate, and Wade Woodaz have only added to the team’s challenges.
With a 7-1 ACC record, Clemson still has a shot at the conference title, but the pressure on Swinney is mounting. As they prepare to face The Citadel and rival South Carolina, the Tigers have little room for error. Regardless of how the season ends, calls for major changes within the program seem inevitable.
Leave a Reply