Fansided · Jan 4
If Clemson wants the wins to return, the answer is simple — and uncomfortable
USA TODAY columnist Matt Hayes says Clemson’s path back to national relevance starts at quarterback after a disappointing 7–6 season.
2025 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl - Clemson v Penn State | Evan Bernstein/GettyImagesThat’s the blunt assessment from USA TODAY columnist Matt Hayes, who believes Clemson’s recent slide traces directly to instability and regression at the game’s most important position.
Clemson closed the season 7–6, its worst finish since 2010, capped by a flat 22–10 loss to Penn State Nittany Lions in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. For Hayes, the result was less an outlier than confirmation.