WATCH: UConn returns opening kick, takes early lead on Clemson

Clemson has seen some serious struggles this season, but the Tigers have a great chance to get in the win column against UConn on Saturday. But thinks aren’t going well early.

UConn got the ball to begin the game, and Brian Brewton brought some early fireworks. Brewton originally bobbled the opening kickoff, but he quickly located the ball and picked it up. He then returned the ball 99 yards for a touchdown, giving UConn an early 7-0 lead over Clemson.

Clemson is losing to UConn pic.twitter.com/IsFevulQSP

— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) November 13, 2021

Things haven’t gone well for UConn this season, as the Huskies are just 1-8 on the year. UConn’s last game came on October 22, where they lost 44-13 to Middle Tennessee. Clemson is coming off of two consecutive wins over Florida State and Louisville. The Tigers were able to get on the board on their first offensive possession behind a 49-yard field goal from B.T. Potter, cutting the deficit to 7-3.

Dabo Swinney has previously shouldered the blame for Clemson’s struggles

Prior to Clemson’s two game winning streak, the Tigers were struggling and sitting at 4-3 after losing to Pittsburgh. After that game, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney had some strong comments about the reasons behind his team’s struggles.

“That’s kind of who we are right now,” Swinney said after Clemson’s loss to Pittsburgh. “That’s who we are. It’s what we’ve earned and it’s incredibly disappointing. And I’m one thousand percent responsible. As simple as that, it’s a hundred percent on me. This team’s performance starts with me as the head coach. Period. Everybody hurts. This is a very painful and frustrating time.”

Swinney went on to take the full blame for Clemson’s struggles.

“The team’s performance, I’m responsible for that,” Swinney said. “I got to somehow find a way to help them be more confident, make those plays that are there. I can’t really do anything about injuries. I mean it’s some of the craziest stuff that I’ve been a part of ever since I’ve been in college football. It’s just crazy some of the things we’ve dealt with.”