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

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

The Tigers held a seven-point lead following a 75-yard catch-and-run touchdown by T.J. Clemson forced a punt on Duke's next drive but later punted with 5:19 left, pinning Duke at their own six-yard line.

Duke then executed a 94-yard drive over 11 plays in 4:39, converting two critical fourth downs and a two-point conversion to seize the lead.

Key Player Performances

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik completed 27 of 36 passes for 385 yards and two touchdowns.
Antonio Williams led with 142 receiving yards on 10 catches, scoring both a receiving and rushing touchdown.
Adam Randall rushed for 89 yards and added two touchdowns.

Defensive Highlights

Peter Woods and Jahiem Lawson each recorded a sack.
Linebacker Sammy Brown led with 10 tackles; Khalil Barnes had 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."

Clemson’s attempt at a game-winning drive stalled, handing Duke the victory.

Author’s summary: Despite a strong offensive effort and multiple standout performances, Clemson fell just short after Duke’s decisive late-game drive secured a 46-45 win.

Clemson University Athletics — 2025-11-02