Clemson had every reason to expect a productive afternoon against Georgia Tech’s struggling defense. Instead, the Tigers never found the end zone, lost their starting quarterback to an apparent knee injury and suffered a 20-6 defeat at Memorial Stadium.
Clemson managed just 86 rushing yards despite facing a defense that entered surrendering an ACC-worst 222 per game. The Yellow Jackets, meanwhile, rushed for 272 yards, overwhelming the Tigers after averaging only 118 entering the afternoon.
Those struggles extended beyond the rushing attack. Clemson produced 228 total yards and could not capitalize on winning the turnover battle, 2-1.
Much of the afternoon unfolded without Tait Reynolds. The freshman quarterback exited with an apparent knee injury
on the third play from scrimmage and never returned, forcing Clemson to cycle through four quarterbacks.
Christopher Vizzina entered during the second quarter as an emergency option and helped generate the Tigers’ only points. He finished 12-of-27 passing for 133 yards and an interception, with both scoring possessions ending in Nolan Hauser field goals.
Hauser’s first kick provided one of Clemson’s few notable achievements. His 40-yarder gave him 28 field goals this season, surpassing the school record Greg Huegel established in 2015. He connected again from 47 yards but missed a 52-yard attempt.
Georgia Tech had considerably more success moving the football, finishing with 410 yards and averaging 5.6 yards per carry. A 53-yard touchdown run from Justice Haynes highlighted a rushing performance Clemson had little answer for.
For Dabo Swinney’s team, the defeat erased the momentum of consecutive conference road victories. Clemson fell to 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the ACC against a Georgia Tech squad that arrived with just two wins.
Clemson falls short at home against Georgetown for first loss of season
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) November 14, 2026
📸 Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network , USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co https://t.co/sIJmSrcbnm pic.twitter.com/GuWawAECvv
The Yellow Jackets improved to 3-7 and 2-5 while beating Clemson for the second consecutive season.
Death Valley’s recent results remain another concern. The Tigers have dropped three straight home games and are now 2-9 against Power Four visitors since 2024.
Clemson will try to recover on a short week, traveling to Duke for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson stunned at home by Georgia Tech after starting quarterback injury
