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Clemson struggles in college football
The gist
Clemson fell to No. 74 in USA TODAY's rankings after a 51-10 loss to LSU.
The 49-spot plunge puts its ACC opener and a freshman QB under scrutiny.
How it unfolded
- Sep 12, 2026Clemson beat Georgia Southern 22-7, but starting quarterback Christopher Vizzina left with an elbow injury after three offensive series; true freshman Tait Reynolds went 16-of-27 for 178 yards and led five of Clemson's six scoring drives.
- Sep 13, 2026Dabo Swinney announced Reynolds will make his first start in Saturday's ACC opener against North Carolina; Vizzina is expected to miss time.
- Sep 14, 2026USA TODAY Sports placed Clemson at No. 74 overall, a 17-spot slide and a 49-spot plunge from the preseason No. 25; CBS Sports ranked Clemson No. 55, down from No. 24.