Five takeaways from Clemson’s meltdown double overtime loss to Miami

Here are five takeaways from Clemson’s eye-opening double overtime loss to Miami.

Dabo Swinney and the Tigers fell 28-20 on the road to Miami in a double overtime loss where Clemson continued their trend in the wrong direction

Heading into this 2023 season, expectations were sky-high for this Clemson team. Just over halfway through the season, things have felt more like a nightmare than anything. Getting outscored 21-3 in the fourth quarter, this loss was as bad as they come for a program like Clemson.

There was a lot to process from this performance as, for the first time this season, it was both Clemson’s offense and defense that were underwhelming. Things just aren’t clicking for the Tigers this season. 

Here are five takeaways from Clemson’s meltdown double overtime loss to Miami in Week 8.

Swinney updates on Xavier Thomas following Clemson’s double OT loss to Miami

Dabo Swinney shared an update on Xavier Thomas following Clemson’s road loss against Miami.

Following Clemson’s 28-20 double-overtime road loss against Miami, Dabo Swinney shared an update on Xavier Thomas’ situation that caused him to miss the matchup.

Reports released before the game that Thomas found out Thursday that he would have to miss the Miami game as he was dealt a one-game suspension for violating team rules. Swinney had this to say when asked for an update on Thomas following the loss. 

“He was out. He had something pop up this part of the week,” Swinney said. “Had a violation of team rules, so he was out. He’ll be back Monday. Could’ve definitely used him, for sure. But he’ll be back Monday and ready to go against NC State.”

It was a bad game for Thomas to miss; Clemson could have used him on the edge in this loss. As Swinney mentioned, he will be back next week.

Clemson falls to Miami in double overtime after another sloppy, inconsistent performance

Clemson’s nightmare season continues with a double-overtime loss to Miami.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson football program’s nightmare season continues as the Tigers drop a road matchup against Miami 28-20 in double overtime.

After moving the ball to the Miami 2-yard line after a 23-yard pass to Tyler Brown, Clemson starting quarterback Cade Klubnik was tackled for an eight-yard loss on 4th and goal from the Miami 1-yard line to end the game. Clemson’s offense couldn’t get it done when they needed to the most.

Tight end Jake Briningstool did all the scoring for the Clemson offense in this one, scoring on a 32-yard touchdown grab and a 19-yard with 2:01 left in the third quarter to give Clemson a 17-7 lead. Following was a collapse from the Tigers.

Swinney’s team would later be outscored 21-3 in the fourth quarter, and double-overtime as the Hurricanes ran the ball all over this Clemson defense. In total, the Tigers’ defense allowed 211 yards on the ground.

It’s the same old story for the Tigers, who turned the ball over three times as they continue their sloppy and inconsistent football run. Two of these fumbles came on Miami’s side of the field, with one being on the one-yard line right before starting running back Will Shipley could cross the pylon.

Coming out of the Week 7 bye, expectations were high for this Clemson (4-3, 2-3 ACC) team, and it looked like they didn’t improve at all or learn from any of their mistakes in the first half of the season.

Briningstool makes another highlight reel catch for his second touchdown against Miami

Clemson extends their lead on Miami behind another huge Briningstool touchdown catch.

Clemson tight end Jake Briningstool is on fire tonight.

After not being nearly as involved in the Tigers offense as many expected heading into this season, Briningstool is having himself a night against Miami. After recording a sweet 32-yard reception in the first half, Briningstool followed with an even nicer 19-yard touchdown catch late in the third quarter.

The highlight reel catch extended Clemson’s lead to 17-7, as the Tigers offense desperately needed that drive. Briningstool now has five catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns as he’s proving to be a mismatch nightmare for the Hurricanes.

Three-quarters down and one more to go.

Halftime Report: Clemson tied with Miami as the Tigers offense continues to hold back the defense

Clemson’s defense impresses as the offense continues their struggle at the end of the first half against Miami.

Dabo Swinney and the Tigers are tied 7-7 on the road against Miami as the Clemson offense continues its struggles, and the defense continues to impress.

Outside of a monster 80-yard touchdown run from Miami’s Brashard Smith, the Clemson defense is once again putting forth a phenomenal performance. Miami’s offense has had no answers for this elite Tigers defense that has been wreaking havoc on this Hurricanes offense on seemingly all but one play.
In the half, the defense allowed just 31 passing yards and 108 rushing yards, which would look a lot better without the big touchdown run. They are doing their job.

On the other hand, the Clemson offense picked up right where they left off heading into their Week 7 bye… struggling. Turnovers have been the story once again, as the Tigers have fumbled twice in this matchup, including a Will Shipley fumble right on the one-yard line as the offense was set to score. They had three turnovers in the first half.

Their lone touchdown came on a tight end Jake Briningstool 32-yard touchdown catch. Other than that, this offense has been holding the Tigers’ defense back as they have been throughout much of this season.

Clemson’s offense will look to recover in the second half.

Miami starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke out for Clemson game

Miami will miss their starting quarterback against the Tigers tonight.

The Miami Hurricanes will be without starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke tonight against Dabo Swinney and the Tigers.

Massive news for this matchup as the Hurricanes missing their star under-center is a brutal blow for Mario Cristobal’s team. Van Dyke sustained an injury to his lower right leg towards the end of the Hurricanes’ recent defeat against the 10th-ranked North Carolina team. Earlier in the week, the Miami Herald had stated that he was seen on campus with his lower leg wrapped up to the knee.

True freshman Emory Williams will likely get the start for Miami with Van Dyke sidelined.

Clemson starting defensive end out against Miami

Clemson will be without a key starter against the Hurricanes.

Dabo Swinney and the Tigers are missing one of their top defenders for their matchup tonight on the road against Miami. 

According to reports, starting defensive end Xavier Thomas will miss the game against the Hurricanes for non-injury-related purposes. Per our friends over at the Clemson Insider, Thomas is serving a one-game suspension for violating team rules. The veteran is expected back next week. 

Clemson will likely be without two key defensive linemen, as it was reported earlier that freshman standout Peter Woods was seen in a walking boot. The Tigers have a tough one tonight as they face Miami tonight at 8 p.m. on ACC Network.

Our staff score predictions for Clemson vs. Miami

Our staff score predictions for Clemson’s away Week 8 matchup against Miami.

Dabo Swinney and his Clemson Tigers are gearing up for a critical ACC away game today as they hit the road to face off against Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes.

Clemson (4-2, 2-2 ACC) enters this matchup following a well-timed Week 7 break. The Tigers were coming off a challenging game against Wake Forest in Week 6, and this hiatus allowed them the necessary time to regroup and strive toward regaining their peak performance.

On the flip side, the Miami Hurricanes (4-2, 0-2 ACC) are in pursuit of their first conference victory after enduring two consecutive ACC defeats. While they appeared to be a formidable force during the initial four weeks of the season, the Hurricanes have encountered a downturn in form recently.

As we do every week, the staff gathered and made score predictions for Saturday’s matchup matchup against Miami. Here is a look at what we are thinking heading into Week 8 against the Hurricanes.

5 reasons Clemson earns a statement ACC road win over Miami in Week 8

Here are five reasons Clemson walks away from Miami with a statement Week 8 win.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers travel to Miami Saturday for a huge ACC road matchup against Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes. 

Clemson (4-2, 2-2 ACC) heads into this matchup coming off a Week 7 bye that came at about the perfect time for the Tigers. After struggling in Week 6 against Wake Forest, this program needed to take full advantage of their bye week to work towards finding their form. 

On the other side, Miami (4-2, 0-2 ACC) is coming off back-to-back ACC losses as they aim to earn their first conference win. After looking like a top team through four weeks of the season, the Hurricanes have cooled off. 

Here is a look at five reasons why Clemson will earn a statement ACC road win over the Hurricanes in Week 8.

Defensive X-Factor for Clemson vs. Miami Week 8

Clemson is returning stars on both sides of the ball for a huge road matchup against Miami.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney stated that he “anticipates having everybody” for their huge matchup against Miami, meaning star cornerback Nate Wiggins is expected to make his return. 

Leaving the Florida State game early with a bone bruise, Wiggins has missed the Tigers’ last two games. The bye week did wonders for this team’s health, as we have two returning starters as X-Factors for this matchup. If you haven’t guessed it, Wiggins is our Defensive X-Factor for this game against Miami. 

Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke isn’t 100%, and we’ve seen the Hurricanes star quarterback struggle in their last two games. A game against Clemson is not a good bounce-back spot for a quarterback, especially with a CB1 as talented as Wiggins returning. 

The Hurricanes’ passing attack has been strong this season, with Xavier Restrepo leading the way at receiver and Jacolby George being their big play target. With Restrepo running out of the slot, we expect George to get the bulk of the coverage from Wiggins, which should make it a long day for the wide receiver. 

Wiggins’ return comes at the perfect time, as the Tigers’ secondary will be a key factor in this matchup.