On September 13, the Bobby Dodd Stadium witnessed a kick hung in the hot Atlanta sky, with every second stretching like an eternity for Clemson fans holding their breath. When it finally sailed through the uprights, it wasn’t just a field goal — it was a gut punch. Georgia Tech had pulled off a stunning 24-21 win over Clemson. And with that, they sent a loud message to the rest of the ACC that the Tigers are no longer the unbeatable force they once were.

The Week 3 game loss hurts Dabo Swinney‘s team much more than simply an early-season setback. Clemson’s hopes of winning the conference are in shambles after suffering two defeats already and losing their opening conference game against LSU. Although there is talent on the team with moments of brilliance, they were left devastated by slips here and there and missed opportunities, especially by QB Cade Klubnik.

In the recent episode of See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack, Pollack and Brent Rollins discussed Clemson’s loss to Georgia Tech, which felt like deja vu for Tigers fans watching the same mistakes unravel again. Pollack said, “It’s just… it’s got to be frustrating if you’re a Clemson fan to see all those pieces and Clubnik is so hot and cold… Like, he makes some throws that literally made me go, ‘Wow, like holy cow.’” But then you see that fumble and that pick, and you’re just pulling your hair out. At times, quarterback Cade Klubnik showed off his skill by completing 15 of 26 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown. He also connected with Bryant Wesco Jr. on a huge 73-yard pass that gave Clemson a brief lead.

But Klubnik’s two costly turnovers, a fumble in the first quarter and an interception in the third, overshadowed those moments, giving Georgia Tech an edge and ultimately ending the Tigers’ chances. This loss is even more painful because Clemson ran for a season-high 174 yards and outgained Georgia Tech 381-358 – in total offense. Clemson held Georgia Tech to 147 rushing yards, which was a season low for the Jackets, and recorded eight tackles for loss. “Wesco didn’t make that play… they really needed that. They needed that third down,” Pollack said, pointing at Clemson’s inability to convert opportunities.

Dabo Swinney’s team, which is currently 1-2 overall and 0-1 in ACC play, will be more deeply affected by this defeat. “I don’t think they are in the ACC,” Pollack stated. With Florida State, Louisville, and Miami all in the mix, “there is nothing I have seen from them that makes them think they can win,” Pollack admitted. “You’re hanging on the ledge,” Rollins added, pointing out that Clemson’s margin for error is razor-thin.

Clemson is falling off from its ACC high seat, and Dabo Swinney knows it

For many years, Nick Saban‘s Alabama and Dabo Swinney’s Clemson were the ACC’s gold standard, competing for national titles and making the playoffs seem like a two-team contest. But the start of this season has been a reality check. Swinney accepted the harsh reality following a devastating 24–21 loss to Georgia Tech: “They earned it. Georgia Tech earned it, and so congratulations to them.” Clemson lost because of a string of errors, being blunt about it, Swinney stated, “That’s the difference in the game… we get a huge third down drop that maybe puts the game away right there.”

Clemson appears to be haunted by the same pattern of late-game struggles once more. Swinney pointed it out himself: “We’ve got two losses that have come down to the last play… the first game, defense kept getting the stop in the fourth quarter and we just didn’t make the play. This game, we couldn’t get the stop we needed.” The pattern is cruel; even a seasoned player like Swinney is finding it difficult to capitalize on the opportunities that once resulted in wins. However, he accepted responsibility, stating, “It’s my job to find a way to make those couple of plays. That’s my job, and I take responsibility for that.”

Swinney isn’t prepared to give up on his team even after a tough start. “We’ve got no room for error. The wind’s in our face and we’re climbing uphill. But we’re not out,” he said. He also reminded fans that the season is long and his players are dedicated. “I’ve had enough praise and criticism to last three lifetimes. I’ll be fine. But I hurt for our team and our fans, ” he said. The coach has made it clear that even though the Tigers are in bad spot right now, they will continue to work through the challenges.