Swinney criticizes Duke loss PI call overturn

**Swinney “Sick” Over Overturned Call as No. 9 Clemson Stumbles in Upset Loss to Duke**

**DURHAM, N.C.** – Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney did not mince words following his ninth-ranked Tigers’ stunning 28-7 upset loss to Duke on Labor Day night, Monday, September 4, 2023, at Wallace Wade Stadium. While acknowledging his team’s significant self-inflicted wounds, Swinney expressed profound frustration and admitted he would “lose sleep” over a pivotal fourth-quarter pass interference call that was overturned by replay officials.

The Tigers, who entered the season with College Football Playoff aspirations, saw their hopes take an immediate hit against an unranked Duke team playing its season opener. The Blue Devils’ dominant performance marked their first victory over a top-10 opponent since 1989 and their first win against Clemson since 2004.

The moment that particularly incensed Swinney occurred in the fourth quarter with Clemson trailing 21-7. The Tigers were driving, attempting to cut into Duke’s lead, when quarterback Cade Klubnik targeted wide receiver Antonio Williams in the end zone. Duke defensive back Brandon Johnson was defending the play, and a flag was initially thrown for pass interference. Had the call stood, it would have placed the ball at the 1-yard line, giving Clemson a prime opportunity to score and make it a one-score game, potentially 21-14.

However, after an instant replay review, the call was overturned. The official explanation on the ACC Network broadcast cited a lack of “conclusive evidence” to confirm pass interference, a standard protocol for overturning on-field calls in college football.

Swinney was visibly and audibly distraught about the decision in his post-game press conference. “I’m just sick,” Swinney stated, clearly incredulous. “That’s obvious pass interference. It’s not even close. That play totally flipped the game’s momentum.” He elaborated on the impact, emphasizing how significant that particular decision felt.

Despite his strong feelings about the officiating, Swinney did not shy away from acknowledging Clemson’s own struggles throughout the contest. The Tigers committed three critical turnovers – two fumbles and an interception – and also missed two field goals, one of which was blocked. These errors stifled numerous drives and directly contributed to Duke’s ability to maintain and extend its lead.

“We just didn’t execute enough,” Swinney admitted, acknowledging Duke’s strong performance. “Duke played well, credit to them. But we made too many mistakes, and that call… that call just changed everything.”

The loss is a significant blow for Clemson, pushing them to an 0-1 start and immediately placing them behind in the ACC race. For Duke, under second-year head coach Mike Elko, the upset signals a potential breakout season and provides a massive boost to their program’s national profile. The controversial overturned call, however, will undoubtedly remain a talking point for Swinney and the Clemson faithful as they regroup for the rest of their season.