Sports

Dabo Swinney Called Out For ‘Coaching Malpractice’ After Clemson Loss To LSU

#College Football
by Last Updated
Dabo Swinney, Clemson Tigers

© Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images


The Clemson Tigers entered the college football season ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll and with genuine national title aspirations. Those hopes are still alive. But they were severely damaged by a 17-10 home loss to LSU in Week 1.

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, a preseason Heisman favorite, struggled mightily in the season opener. But Clemson’s run game was even worse, accounting for just 31 yards on 20 carries. That’s just 1.6 yards per carry.

How does that happen? Well, according to one analyst, Dabo Swinney and his coaching staff are to blame.

College Football Analyst Says ‘Coaching Malpractice’ Cost Clemson Against LSU

Landon Tengwall is a former four-star, top-100 recruit in the class of 2021 who committed to Penn State over offers from Clemson and Notre Dame, among a slew of others.

Unfortunately for Tengwall, injuries cut short his football career and he medically retired prior to the 2024 season. Now, Tengwall works independently in the media world, covering Penn State as well as the rest of the college football landscape. He has an increasingly growing following, which hit over 18,000 to start the new season.

In his latest breakdown, Tengwall explained why Clemson struggled to run the ball against LSU, and how the coaching staff is largely responsible.

“1.5 yards per carry. How do you do that? Well, I’m gonna show you how you do that. You commit coaching malpractice,” Tengwall said over a game film breakdown.

Tengwall goes on to explain how the blocking scheme, on multiple occasions, failed to account for LSU superstar linebacker Harold Perkins. In the over four-minute video, Tengwall shows several incidents of Perkins either not being accounted for or getting matched up against a freshman running back.

That’s not ideal!

Swinney was tough on his team after the loss. He gave them a grade of 58, although he also claimed that they were taking a final in Week 1 of the class. But he was also tough on LSU, giving them a 65 grade, which Brian Kelly was none-too-pleased with.

But Swinney might want to start grading himself and his staff. Or, at least, he should try to make sure his students are more prepared for the exam next time.