Abysmal first-half showing vs. Syracuse has Clemson fans turning on Dabo Swinney
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Entering Saturday’s game against Clemson, the Syracuse offense was averaging 107 rushing yards per game. The Orange gained just 3 yards per carry, ranking 126th nationally in rushing efficiency. The pass game was rolling, but out of necessity more than luxury.
When Syracuse tailback Will Nixon powered his way into the endzone from 9 yards out on the first play of the second quarter, not only did it put the Orange up 17-7 on the Tigers in Death Valley, but it brought Syracuse’s rushing total level with its season average.
In 1 quarter and 4 seconds against Clemson, Syracuse gained 107 yards on the ground at 7.6 per carry.
Days after Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney chastized critics for not appreciating past successes in his program and suggesting that he could leave for another, more grateful school, Clemson fell down 24-7 at home to Syracuse.
The Tigers scored on their opening drive, then punted on their next 2. Syracuse scored on its opening drive — a 7-play, 75-yard march — and then recovered the ensuing onside kick. The Orange kicked a field goal and then produced touchdowns on their next 2 possessions.
With the offense again looking lifeless and another loss brewing, Clemson fans were aiming to send Swinney on his way.
“If Clemson’s tired of winning, they can send me on my way, but I’m gonna go somewhere else and coach. I ain’t going to the beach. Hell, I’m 55. I’ve got a long way to go. Y’all gonna have to deal with me for a while,” Swinney said on Tuesday. “I’ve got a long way to go. I’m just getting going. I’m just now good enough to be a head coach. I’m just now figuring it out. So we’ll be around awhile. Let’s hang in there.”
If Clemson keeps going at the rate it currently is, Swinney will be “figuring it out” somewhere else. Clemson entered the season as the ACC favorite and one of the favorites to make it to the College Football Playoff.
If the Tigers open 1-3, those dreams are dead. And fans, confronted with that reality on Saturday, were none too pleased.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
