Overview
- Clemson fell 28-20 to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl to close at 7-6, its first six-loss season since 2010.
- Josh Pate framed the year as a referendum on Dabo Swinney’s roster philosophy and resistance to heavy transfer-portal use.
- Pate argued the program’s margin for error has vanished and said meaningful philosophical change is now required.
- He predicted next season could be worse on paper if Clemson does not alter its approach to talent acquisition.
- Pate stopped short of calling for a coaching change, noting Swinney’s 180-47 record as Swinney has said he intends to keep coaching.