MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – A messy start in Hard Rock Stadium may have not detered the Clemson Tigers, who scored ten unanswered points but they let the Miami Hurricanes back in before double overtime, where Clemson simply couldn’t get it done, suffering a 28-20 loss.

The numbers didn’t look pretty, and it was representative of the result. Here’s the 411 on the gut-wrenching loss to Miami.

-Wide receiver Antonio Williams made his return, but left the field gimpy in the first half. The sophomore didn’t return in the second half and it’s something to keep an eye on given the fact he just recovered from a previous issue.

-The one silver lining was Jake Briningstool. The junior tight end more than doubled his season totals in yards and touchdowns against the Hurricanes. He finished the game with five catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns as Clemson’s lone pulse on offense for a majority of the game.

-Wes Goodwin gave the Tigers time. Taking on a backup quarterback, this group didn’t waver even when the offense was struggling. It’s become a normal sight for Clemson, and their stinginess gave Garrett Riley and the offense time to find rhythm.

-The other side of the coin was the late struggles. With Xavier Thomas out, Clemson was short-handed and gave up uncharacteristic rushing success, allowing 211 yards and a touchdown on the ground. After taking a ten-point lead, the Tigers gave up a methodical 75-yard touchdown drive and allowed a late field goal to tie. Goodwin didn’t dial up the pressure late, and it allowed the comeback.

-Following the late collapse, Miami managed to top it with a conundrum of clock management at the end of regulation. In a tie game with a chance to win with a field goal, the Hurricanes had zero sense of urgency and seemed content to reach overtime.

-Both offenses sputtered in the first overtime, but Miami opened the second period with a touchdown and two point conversion. They leaned heavily on the run and that secured the win.

TURNING POINT

The Hurricanes opened the fourth quarter with the ball, and marched down the field for a touchdown. On that drive, Goodwin’s defense stayed away from pressure and it allowed the game to get close again. Clemson’s offense never woke back up and that carelessness became their downfall.

TELLING STAT: 211-31

That’s Miami’s rushing yards compared to Clemson. The trenches were dominated by the Hurricanes on both sides of the ball. It’s a deep concern and it gave the Tigers zero room for error.

They got worked, simple as that. Mix in the turnovers, and it’s no surprise Clemson is back under .500 in the ACC.