A strong finish would help Clemson move past a disappointing start. It would also leave the Tigers with something to prove after their two biggest opportunities ended in decisive losses.
National college football analyst Josh Pate sees that distinction as a central issue for Dabo Swinney’s team. Clemson has already faced LSU and Miami, and neither matchup offered much evidence that the Tigers are ready to challenge the sport’s top programs.
The latest setback, a 41-13 loss to the Hurricanes at Memorial Stadium, prompted Pate to draw an uncomfortable comparison to Clemson’s championship years.
“Miami did everything to Clemson that Clemson used to do to people,” Pate said on his show. “They are what Clemson used to be.”
That observation captured more
than the margin on the scoreboard. Clemson spent years setting the standard in the ACC, regularly overwhelming opponents while establishing itself as a national championship contender. Against Miami, the Tigers were on the receiving end of that kind of performance.
Pate called the outcome a “tough pill to swallow” for Clemson supporters, though he did not consider it a surprising result.
His outlook for the remaining schedule was considerably more favorable.
“The good news is there are no more LSU’s or Miami’s on this schedule,” Pate said.
Clemson has already earned conference wins over North Carolina and Cal. Pate expects more competitive opportunities ahead, describing much of the ACC as a closely matched group beneath its strongest teams.
He illustrated that gap with a softball comparison, calling Miami a travel team competing in a church league.
Where Clemson men’s basketball stands in ACC Preseason Media Poll
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) October 13, 2026
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That assessment gives Clemson a plausible route to a better record, but the losses will remain part of the evaluation. Pate said Swinney’s situation would be assessed after the season.
Coming off an open date, the Tigers return Saturday against Charleston Southern. The game at Memorial Stadium begins at noon on ACC Network.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Analyst Josh Pate talks the downfall of Dabo Swinney, Clemson football
