Tigers Drop Back-And-Forth Game to Duke, 46-45

Clemson (3-5, 2-4 ACC) amassed 560 yards of total offense but conceded a touchdown and two-point conversion with 40 seconds remaining in a 46-45 loss to Duke (5-3, 4-1 ACC) at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

The Tigers led by seven points after a 75-yard catch-and-run touchdown by T.J. Clemson forced a punt on Duke’s next drive but punted back themselves with 5:19 left, placing Duke at its own six-yard line. The Blue Devils responded with a 94-yard, 11-play drive over 4:39, converting two critical fourth downs and a two-point conversion to take the lead.

Clemson’s final drive for the win stalled, handing Duke the victory.

Key Player Performances

Quarterback Cade Klubnik completed 27 of 36 passes for 385 yards and two touchdowns.
Antonio Williams led receiving with 142 yards on 10 catches and scored two touchdowns (one receiving, one rushing).
Adam Randall rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensive Highlights

Peter Woods and Jahiem Lawson each recorded a sack.
Linebacker Sammy Brown led with 10 tackles, followed by Khalil Barnes with nine.

“Duke jumped to a 7-0 lead on its first possession when quarterback Darien Mensah connected with Que’Sean Brown on a 19-yard touchdown pass with 10:08 on the clock.”

Summary: Despite strong offensive output and early leads, Clemson was unable to hold off Duke’s late-game surge, resulting in a narrow 46-45 loss.

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Clemson University Athletics — 2025-11-02