Clemson heads into its open week with little room for another ACC setback, but Dabo Swinney still sees a conference championship as an attainable goal.
Saturday’s 41-13 loss to No. 4 Miami left the Tigers at 3-2 overall and 2-1 in league play. It also raised more questions about a team whose three-game winning streak ended with another lopsided defeat against a highly ranked opponent.
Swinney, however, believes Clemson has enough talent and enough season remaining to stay in contention. Asked afterward whether the Tigers could still compete for the ACC title, he answered without hesitation.
“Absolutely. Absolutely,” Swinney said.
The standings leave that possibility open. Miami improved to 3-0 in conference play, while Clemson joined SMU and Wake
Forest at 2-1. The Tigers are among 10 ACC teams with one conference loss, making their remaining league games especially important.
For Clemson, the immediate priority is finding more consistency. Swinney acknowledged that the Tigers expected a better record through five games, but he remains encouraged by their potential and the development of freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds.
The open date gives Clemson a chance to address those issues while allowing players to recover from a demanding opening stretch. Swinney plans to use the break for rest, improved health and preparation as the Tigers approach the second half of the season.
Dabo Swinney addresses Clemson’s offensive line issue, no transfer portal
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) October 6, 2026
📸 Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network , USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co https://t.co/U575m3CLds pic.twitter.com/9RxBmFThCm
Clemson returns to Memorial Stadium on Oct. 17 against Charleston Southern, with kickoff scheduled for noon on ACC Network.
Swinney has guided Clemson to nine ACC championships, most recently in 2024. Adding another will require a stronger finish than the Tigers’ uneven start.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Dabo Swinney believes Clemson can still compete for an ACC championship
