Overview

• Clemson lost 34-21 to Syracuse at home, dropping to 1-3 and 0-2 in the ACC for the program’s worst start under Dabo Swinney.
• Swinney’s 13-minute defense of his tenure this week, including a dare to fire him if fans are “tired of winning,” drew fresh backlash and viral ‘Tyler from Spartanburg’ jokes.
• Desmond Howard said Swinney is paying too much attention to media criticism, Nick Saban urged him to adapt to the modern game, and Dave Portnoy’s pregame defense looked shaky after the defeat.
• Strategic choices were scrutinized, including a fourth-and-5 punt from the Syracuse 40 that became a 20-yard net touchback, in contrast with Syracuse’s aggressive calls under Fran Brown.
• Contract terms reported by CBS Sports and USA TODAY show Clemson would owe roughly $60 million to fire Swinney in 2025, payable in installments or a lump sum with no offset if he takes another job.