ACC schedules for Clemson and Duke are launched early with a Labor Day matchup
ACC schedules for Clemson and Duke are launched early with a Labor Day matchup
On Labor Day evening, an ACC matchup will be the main event as No. 9 Clemson faces Duke in a contest that will be both the season opener and conference opener for each program. Additionally, it is the Tigers and Blue Devils’ first encounter since 2018.
This is the second consecutive year that Dabo Swinney’s team will be the main attraction on Labor Day, and it is the fourth consecutive year that the Tigers will play their inaugural game outside of Memorial Stadium. In Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, they defeated Georgia Tech 41-10 to start the 2022 season.
In addition, the Tigers’ ACC title defense against the Blue Devils is starting. While this is going on, Duke is coming off its finest season in over a decade and is looking to build on that momentum with a big victory in a prime time game.
Five years ago, Clemson defeated Duke 35-6 in their previous encounter. Since 2005, Clemhttps://fbschedules.com/2022-clemson-football-schedule/son has prevailed in each of the last five meetings, amassing a 37-16-1 edge. Against Duke, Swinney is unbeaten.
From 1965 through 2005, Clemson and Duke met every year, but the rivalry ceased when the ACC was divided into the Atlantic and Coastal divisions. Divisions have been replaced by the ACC’s new 3-5-5 scheduling arrangement, which means Clemson and Duke will play twice over the following four years, starting Monday.
What you need to know about Clemson’s new-look offense before they play Duke:
This offseason, Swinney took a nearly unheard-of step: He hired a coordinator from a different program. Since stealing Oklahoma’s Brent Venables to run his defense in 2012, Swinney hadn’t looked elsewhere for assistance in that area. It’s safe to say that both parties benefited from that. Garrett Riley, a rising former Big 12 coach, has been chosen by Swinney to serve as his new offensive coordinator. The expectation is that Riley can revitalize a Clemson attack that has been lacking since Trevor Lawrence went for the NFL. Riley was a key component of TCU’s 2022 run to the College Football Playoff.
What performs Duke as an encore? In his first season as Duke’s head coach, Mike Elko completely exceeded everyone’s expectations, guiding the Blue Devils to an 8-4 regular season and completing it with a rout of UCF in the Military Bowl. It was Duke’s first nine-game winning streak since 2014, first postseason victory since 2018, and highest ACC Coastal finish (T-2) in eight years. What’s next on the list? resulting in Duke’s second ranked finish since the year 2000 and its first since 2013.
The Swinney team has a record of 12-2 in season openers, with both of its losses coming against Georgia. No matter when they appear on the calendar, Clemson has won each of its last eight ACC openers, and he has never lost a season-opening game against an ACC opponent. In contrast, Duke has a 0-13 record in games against opponents who are ranked in the top 25 in the nation. A victory for Duke would simultaneously snap several long streaks, each with a very different effect.
People appear to be overlooking Duke’s accomplishments during Elko’s first season as coach. In addition, Duke has the most returning starters from that 9-4 squad (17), more than any other ACC school, including Riley Leonard, the team’s top quarterback. Clemson is being caught by Elko’s team just in time, before it has a chance to find any form of rhythm under Riley. Despite the fact that Clemson is too talented to forecast a complete upset in this game, Duke at least covering feels like a sound wager. Forecast: Duke +13
Duke vs. Clemson score:
In a defensive fight aided by two mistakes by the Blue Devils, No. 9 Clemson leads Duke 7-6 at the end of the first quarter of football in Durham, North Carolina. Early in the second quarter, Duke took a 6-0 lead, but Clemson took advantage of a botched punt return to put the Tigers’ offense in the end zone. Five plays later, Clemson took its first lead of the game when quarterback Cade Klubnik connected running back Will Shipley out of the backfield.
When running back Jaquez Moore fumbled on the Clemson 32-yard line and the ball was recovered by Tigers linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., disaster struck Duke once more in the closing seconds of the half. Putting ball security aside, Duke has performed admirably despite being a two score underdog.
Riley Leonard, the quarterback, has so far outperformed Klubnik with 146 passing yards and 28 rushing yards.
Klubnik’s use by Clemson has been intriguing. Only 14 of the sophomore’s 21 passes have been completed, and they only total 103 yards. Only one of his deep passes has been completed, an 18-yarder to Antonio Williams as the clock approached triple zeros and the Blue Devils defense was preparing to stop a Hail Mary. Garrett Riley, the offensive coordinator, and coach Dabo Swinney seem hesitant to let Klubnik lob the ball downfield. That might be evidence of Duke’s defense, of Clemson’s offense’s dearth of dynamic playmakers, or of both.
Every play in the second half will mean more in a game this close and low-scoring. As Clemson battles Duke, CBS Sports will be there every step of the way to break down everything that occurs. For up-to-the-minute highlights, commentary, and scores, bookmark this page.
Red-zone turnover by Clemson
When Cade Klubnik connected with Tyler Brown on a 21-yard pass inside the 10-yard line, the Tigers gained momentum, especially in the passing game. But a play later, Klubnik botched a zone read, and Duke seized the opportunity. Plays like that will drive a coach crazy, and if Duke takes it down the field for six, it might be the biggest play of the game.
catastrophe for Clemson
After Cade Klubnik was stopped on the 1-yard line, running back Will Shipley leapt in front of the play as Clemson appeared to be heading for a score and the lead. After the penalty, the offense was unable to get going, as Robert Gunn III’s first two career field goals were wide left. It has been frustrating to watch the Clemson offense. Every inch seems to be exceedingly challenging, and they’ll need another error by Duke to set it up for a score. A third of the way through, Duke still leads 13-7.
How to view:
Date of the game: September 4, 2023
8:00 p.m. ET for the game.
ESPN on TV
Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham
ESPN stream – HERE
Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek, and Tom Luginbill are the commentators.
Stream this at ClemsonTigers.com