Overview

• Clemson dropped to 1-3 after a 34-21 home loss to Syracuse, the program’s worst start under Dabo Swinney.
• On ESPN’s College GameDay, Nick Saban said “the game has changed” and urged Swinney to reassess his approach to the transfer portal and NIL.
• ESPN’s Paul Finebaum argued it is “over” for Swinney at Clemson and suggested he consider another job or television.
• ESPN insider Heather Dinich characterized firing talk as “absurd,” noting Swinney’s track record and a hefty buyout as buffers against an abrupt exit.
• Analysis highlights offensive decline and staff scrutiny, citing poor red-zone efficiency, fewer explosive plays, and questions for coordinators Garrett Riley and Tom Allen as Clemson enters a bye before visiting North Carolina on Oct. 4.