Clemson vs. Duke: ACC Showdown Preview – November 1, 2025
The Clemson Tigers (3-4, 2-3 ACC) host the Duke Blue Devils (4-3, 3-1 ACC) on Saturday, November 1, at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina, with kickoff set for 12 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Clemson enters as a slim 2.5-point favorite in a game with a total of 55.5 points, according to FanDuel and FOX Sports odds. This ACC matchup pits two teams desperate for momentum: the Tigers, reeling from a five-game home losing streak against Power Four foes dating back to October 2024, against the Blue Devils, who are riding a three-game ACC win streak before their recent stumble.
Clemson leads the all-time series 37-17-1, including a dominant 20-4-1 mark in Death Valley, but Duke’s stunning 28-7 upset in 2023 still stings for the Tigers.Both squads boast potent passing attacks, with Duke ranking fourth nationally in passing yards per game and Clemson 22nd.
Defensively, Clemson’s front seven stands out, ranking fifth in the ACC against the run (109.7 yards allowed per game) with 17 sacks. However, the Tigers’ -4 turnover margin (106th in FBS) could prove costly against Duke’s ball-hawking defense (+5 turnover margin, 22nd nationally). Coming off bye weeks, expect a focused effort from both sides, with the implied score leaning Clemson 29, Duke 26.
Clemson Tigers: Key Stats and PlayersClemson averages 20.9 points allowed per game (38th nationally) but has struggled offensively, particularly on the ground (1.2 yards per carry in their last outing). Their defense has logged 472 plays (34th in FBS), showing resilience despite the team’s inconsistencies.Offense Highlights:
- Passing: 22nd in FBS (yards per game). Backup QB Christopher Vizzina stepped up in the October 18 loss to SMU (35-24), completing 29-of-42 passes for 317 yards and 3 TDs with no INTs. Starter Cade Klubnik (sprained ankle) is questionable but could return; he’s the primary signal-caller when healthy.
- Rushing: Struggling overall, but RB Phil Mafah remains the lead back, providing stability in a committee approach.
- Receiving: Top WR Antonio Williams is sidelined for the season, thinning the corps. Look for T.J. Moore Jr. and others to step up in the slot.
Defense Highlights:
- Run defense: 5th in ACC (109.7 yards allowed/game, 17 sacks).
- Key contributors: LB Barrett Carter anchors the front seven with disruptive plays; DE T.J. Parker leads the sack charge.
Duke Blue Devils: Key Stats and PlayersDuke’s balanced attack averages 144.3 rushing yards per game, fueling a 4-3 start under second-year head coach Manny Diaz. Their defense, coordinated by Jonathan Patke, has forced turnovers efficiently but allowed 27 points in a 27-18 loss to Georgia Tech on October 18.Offense Highlights:
- Passing: 4th in FBS (yards per game). QB Maalik Murphy has been efficient, slinging it to a deep receiving group.
- Rushing: Averages 144.3 yards/game; RBs Nate Sheppard and Anderson Castle form a dynamic duo, essential for controlling the clock against Clemson’s stout front.
- Receiving: Jordan Moore leads the WRs with reliable hands; TE Jake Taylor adds versatility with contested catches.
Defense Highlights:
- Turnover margin: +5 (22nd in FBS).
- Key contributors: The secondary thrives on takeaways, while the front generates pressure to complement the run-stopping unit (17 sacks, matching Clemson).
Matchup X-Factors
- Run Game Battle: Duke’s Sheppard and Castle (144.3 YPG) vs. Clemson’s elite run D (109.7 YPG allowed) could dictate tempo. If the Blue Devils establish the ground, it opens up Murphy’s arm.
- QB Uncertainty: Klubnik’s status looms large for Clemson; Vizzina’s poise against SMU was encouraging, but Duke’s secondary ranks high in takeaways.
- Turnovers and Home Woes: Clemson’s -4 turnover differential is a red flag in Death Valley, where they’ve dropped five straight to Power Four teams. Duke’s +5 margin gives them upset potential, echoing their 2023 win.
