Clemson’s three-game winning streak continued after thrashing Furman 45-10 on November 22. But the celebration was short-lived. Dabo Swinney’s defensive line just got smacked with unpleasant news. It’s a tough pill to swallow after dominating Furman like they did. Sadly, college football’s cruel nature claims another victim. 

On November 23, Clemson beat writer Chapel Fowler tweeted, “Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on his Sunday teleconference announces that DE Jahiem Lawson will be OUT for the South Carolina game and for the rest of the season. Needs tightrope ankle surgery. Dabo wasn’t sure of Lawson’s status last night.”

Notably, Clemson’s routine afternoon against Furman just turned into a severe injury watch. Defensive end Jahiem Lawson went down hard in the third quarter with a nasty-looking right-leg injury. He couldn’t put any weight on it and had to be helped off the field by trainers straight to the injury tent for evaluation. It was the ultimate panic situation for Swinney and the Tigers.

An ankle tightrope surgery healing process typically takes three to four months to return to full power in the sport. The alarm bells rang loud for Clemson as Lawson was still on the field deep in the third quarter, even with the backups running the show against Furman.

On Saturday, Lawson added another quarterback hurry to his stat line, which includes 19 total tackles, 11 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, and three pass breakups across eight games this season. It is only rubbing salt in Swinney’s wound.

In 2025, he was all in on Lawson’s potential. The defensive end had always lacked a specific something, whether it was immaturity or a lack of size. But after packing on 50 pounds during his Clemson career, Lawson’s physical development had Swinney thinking he could wreak havoc on the D-line this season.

Back in August, in an interview, Swinney said, “He’s been a development guy, he has two years left, I would put him at the top as far as most pleasing guys in camp to this point. I’m really encouraged with him.”

Lawson’s injury wasn’t the only punch in the gut Swinney took. For replacements, he can use Cade Denhoff to step in for Lawson, who made 16 solo tackles and 11 assisted tackles.

Tight end Olsen Patt-Henry went down hard on the Tigers’ second drive. He made a key 12-yard fourth-and-seven catch from Cade Klubnik to extend the drive, leading to a 22-yard TD to Antonio Williams for a 10-0 lead. But moments later, Patt-Henry grabbed his knee, headed to the injury tent, and emerged on crutches, needing help to the locker room.

Swinney announced that the tight end, too, will miss the rest of the season and will have to have surgery. Not a good omen before the South Carolina face-off.

Dabo Swinney’s Clemson secured a bowl bid, but a real test awaits

Swinney and the Tigers finally locked in bowl eligibility after smashing FCS foe Furman 45-10 in Week 13. But their most-hated foe awaits. Clemson heads into a November 29 showdown with their arch-nemesis, South Carolina.

A win saves the Tigers from matching their worst regular-season finish since 2010 under Swinney, when they went 6-6. That was the same year South Carolina stunned them at home. Talk about déjà vu creeping in.

“You don’t have to say a whole lot this week,” Swinney said. “Everybody knows what’s at stake, and both teams want the same thing.”

Top Stories

Bill Cowher’s Strong Message to Steelers on Firing Mike Tomlin After HC’s Blunt Playoff Message

Alex Pereira Confirms Major Tracy Cortez Relationship Status Update After Viral Marriage Proposal Clip

Andy Reid Fires Coach In Attempt to Rebuild Staff After Receiving HC Requests For Chiefs’ Coordinators

Who Are the Announcers, Referees, & Sideline Reporters for Ole Miss vs Miami? Everything You Need to Know for Fiesta Bowl

Congratulations Pour In After USA Basketball Announces Female Athlete of the Year

Meet Mario Cristobal’s Wife Jessica: All About Former Miss Florida World Winner and Miami Hurricanes’ HC’s Partner

Both squads flopped hard this season after starting in the preseason top 15 and hyping up two Heisman hopefuls, Klubnik and LaNorris Sellers. With both teams missing their conference title shots and nowhere near the CFP, the matchup got bumped off ABC/ESPN and slid down to the SEC Network.

Amidst this high-stakes game knocking at the door, reports dropped in that Dabo Swinney has officially interviewed for the Arkansas head coaching job. While the debate continues, Swinney got to address the fans’ expectations. At the Clemson–Furman matchup, a fan flashed a sign with an AI-made Shane Beamer rocking a Santa hat.

The message, “I’ll be home for Christmas,” is trolling South Carolina for sitting out bowl season. Can Swinney’s squad gift-wrap Beamer an early trip home for the holidays?