Not so long ago, if Clemson was playing at home, you just knew the Tigers were going to win.

At one point, the program won 40 straight games inside the friendly confines of Death Valley, before rival South Carolina snapped that streak in November of 2022. The following season, Florida State would knock off Clemson in overtime, the only time the Tigers lost at home that season.

Since then, Death Valley hasn’t been so formidable. Clemson dropped two more games at home last season, including another one to South Carolina. Now, opposing teams are probably chomping at the bit to get the Tigers at home.

Dabo Swinney’s team has only won two times in its last five games played at Death Valley. One against The Citadel and one against Troy. The Tigers have lost each of their last three games at home against Power-4 teams.

It’s gotten to the point that the orange-clad faithful have voiced their displeasure by booing the team during the last two home games. Something that seemed unfathomable just a short time ago.

“Yeah, I was booing too,” the head coach said after his team needed a second-half comeback to beat Troy. “Did you hear me booing? I was booing right along with them.”

Add in two lengthy weather delays in the Tigers’ last two games at home, and nothing has really gone right.

And it’s not like the fans haven’t held up their end. Anyone inside that stadium for the LSU game knows just how electric it was. That crowd was ready to explode. The only problem was that Clemson never really gave them a reason to do so.

“Expectations are high here, man,” Swinney said. “This is a place that cares. And we show we care by how we play. That is part of the game. It is a passionate place.”

After the bye week, the next two games are on the road. One in Chapel Hill against a North Carolina team that’s also experiencing their fair share of issues in Bill Belichick’s first season. After that, it’s a trip to Boston College. Like Clemson, neither the Tar Heels nor the Eagles have beaten a Power-4 team this season.

Maybe a little time away from home is exactly what the Tigers need.

Photo by Bart Boatwright