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16h ago

Swinney Takes Blame for Clemson’s 1-3 Start as UNC’s Belichick Reports Progress Before Saturday Meeting

The Clemson coach labeled the slump a coaching failure that starts with him ahead of a noon ET visit to Chapel Hill on ESPN.

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Nick Saban the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field on November 11, 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky.
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 06: Dabo Swinney sings the Clemson Tigers anthem with his players to celebrate their 27-16 win against the Troy Trojans at Memorial Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Katie Januck/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Clemson is 1-3 after losses to LSU, Georgia Tech and Syracuse, with the Tigers last in ACC scoring at 19.8 points per game and 0-2 in league play.
  • Dabo Swinney said he is “pointing a thumb” and that the start “starts with me,” adding after a bye week of soul-searching that this is not the time for staff changes.
  • North Carolina is 2-2 under Bill Belichick, who said he is enthused by steady improvement despite two blowout defeats to Power 4 opponents.
  • Belichick highlighted fundamentals after an off week, and UNC ranks 132nd nationally in total offense entering the ACC opener.
  • Saturday’s game kicks off at noon ET at Kenan Stadium on ESPN, pairing a two-time national title coach against a multiple Super Bowl winner in a matchup both coaches have praised; UNC GM Michael Lombardi said Belichick conducts extensive one-on-one tape sessions with players, reportedly up to 50.