Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Clemson fans boo Swinney as Tigers rally against UNC
Clemson played North Carolina in its first ACC game of the season.
North Carolina scored quickly and built a 17-3 lead.
Clemson struggled to move the ball, and some fans booed the team.
Some fans even left before halftime.
Clemson kicked field goals but still trailed 17-6 at halftime.
In the third quarter, freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds threw a touchdown pass.
Clemson tried to score two extra points but failed.
North Carolina still led 17-15 when lightning stopped the game in the fourth quarter.
Clemson fell behind North Carolina 17-3 during a first-half offensive slump.
Fans booed the Tigers and some left Memorial Stadium before halftime.
Clemson trailed 17-6 at halftime after settling for field goals near the goal line.
Freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds threw a touchdown to Christian Bentancur in the third quarter.
North Carolina led 17-15 when lightning halted play with about nine minutes left.
- Who
- Clemson and North Carolina, coached by Dabo Swinney and Bill Belichick, respectively.
- What
- North Carolina led Clemson 17-15 after Clemson overcame a 17-3 deficit; lightning then delayed the game.
- When
- Saturday, during Clemson's opening ACC game of the season.
- Where
- Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.
- Why
- Clemson struggled offensively early, prompting boos from the home crowd, before rallying in the third quarter.
- Halftime score
- North Carolina led Clemson 17-6.
- Score before delay
- North Carolina led 17-15.
- Clemson record entering game
- 1-1.
- North Carolina record entering game
- 2-0.
- Clemson first-half yardage noted
- 35 yards at one stage, with three first downs.
- Quarterback
- Freshman Tait Reynolds made his first career start for Clemson.
- Delay
- Lightning stopped play with about nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.