Canes pull away in 41-13 win at Clemson

October 3, 2026 - Clemson tested Miami on Saturday night, but the Canes pulled away in the 4th quarter to beat the Tigers, 41-13, in Death Valley. The Canes simply wore down the Tigers in front of a national TV audience and 80,463 fans. It was the fourth-worst loss for the Tigers under Dabo Swinney.

Miami (5-0, 3-0 ACC) played a very physical game and eventually pulled away in the 4th quarter. The Canes generated 419 yards of offense on the night. Clemson (3-2, 2-1 ACC) hung in the game until late, generating 350 yards of offense.

However, Miami’s defense shut down the Tigers rushing game and made true freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds run for his life all night. Reynolds threw for 295 yards, going 29/44 but no passing touchdowns. He also threw a game clinching pick-six to Miami true freshman safety JJ Dunnigan in the fourth quarter to seal the game for Miami. Miami’s defense put pressure on Reynolds all night, sacking him fives times.

Miami quickly started the game when Miami quarterback Darian Mensah hit wide receiver Cooper Barkate with a 66-yard touchdown pass on the second play from scrimmage. For the game, Mensah threw for 227 yards and one touchdown. He also scrambled for a 34-yard touchdown. Mensah has thrown TD pass in 23 straight games dating back to last season at Duke. Running back Mark Fletcher rushed for 77 yards and two touchdowns. Miami wore down Clemson's defense and turned to the run game late to score 17 points in the final quarter.

Injuries continued to plague Miami, with OT Matthew McCoy, DE Marquise Lightfoot, and OG Max Buchanan all suffered injuries early in the game. Buchanan and McCoy returned later but Lightfoot was held out the rest of the game.

Miami continues to hold down first place in the ACC and has a bye week next week. The Canes return to action against Florida State on October 17th at Hard Rock Stadium.

GO CANES!