Story by
Dabo Swinney reacts to Clemson's walkoff loss to Georgia Tech: 'It just hasn't gone our way'
- Story by
- Dabo Swinney reacts to Clemson's walkoff loss to Georgia Tech: 'It just hasn't gone our way'
ATLANTA — Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney said the Tigers have to take accountability following their 24-21 loss to Georgia Tech .
The Yellow Jackets (3-0) beat No. 11 Clemson (1-2) after Georgia Tech kicker Aidan Birr made a walk-off 55-yard field goal. The kick was Clemson 's first loss on the last play of regulation since 2016, and it snapped the Tigers' nine-game winning streak against Georgia Tech .
Advertisement
Clemson entered the 2025 season as ACC favorites and a popular pick to win the College Football Playoff national championship after leading the nation in returning production, including quarterback Cade Klubnik . Now, the Tigers' playoff chances are in doubt three weeks into the season as they have a 5.4% chance to make the CFP, per ESPN's playoff predictor.
"This is Clemson. We got two tough, tough losses to two good teams," Swinney said of the losses to LSU and Georgia Tech. "Two games that have come down to the last play, and it just hasn't gone our way. It's my job to find a way to make those couple plays."
Clemson's offense had two turnovers (a fumble, an interception) — both by Klubnik, who has committed a turnover in every game this season. The Tigers' offense experienced another first-half lull, helping Georgia Tech to build a 13-0 lead in the second quarter. Wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. also had a critical drop on third down in the fourth quarter while Clemson led 14-13.
Clemson could not stop Georgia Tech's offense in the fourth quarter. Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King led a 90-yard touchdown drive to give Georgia Tech the lead, then converted two third downs to set up Birr's game-winner.
Advertisement
MORE: Cade Klubnik stats: Grading Clemson football QB in loss vs Georgia Tech
It was Clemson's second loss this season by one possession after falling 17-10 to LSU in Week 1.
"We've won a bunch of close games around here, and right now, we're finding a way to not win these games," Swinney said.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Dabo Swinney: What Clemson football coach said after Georgia Tech loss
