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Clemson Coach Blames Coaching for First-Half Woes
25 Oct
Summary
- Coach Swinney declared the offense's struggles were 100% coaching.
- The Tigers gained only 94 yards and scored three points by halftime.
- Virginia Tech controlled possession and scored a late touchdown.
Clemson's football team encountered a dismal first half against Virginia Tech, trailing 10-3 at the break. The offense managed a mere 94 total yards, with limited success through the air and on the ground. Head Coach Dabo Swinney took full responsibility, stating the offensive struggles were "100% coaching."
Virginia Tech, under first-year coach James Franklin, dictated much of the first half's tempo, keeping Clemson's defense on the field. Despite defensive efforts that sacked the Virginia Tech quarterback four times, key penalties and a failed fourth-down stop allowed the Hokies to complete a 17-play, 87-yard touchdown drive just before halftime.
Clemson's offense had moments, including a field goal that tied the game at 3-3, but drives repeatedly stalled. The team's inability to capitalize on favorable field position after a turnover on downs highlighted their first-half issues. Swinney's blunt assessment set the stage for second-half adjustments.
