The Clemson Tigers have been on fire in the first half under the Death Valley lights against Florida Atlantic. The offense and quarterback Cade Klubnik have been firing on all cylinders and the defense has been suffocating as usually. The Tigers lead 34-0 at the break, and are looking for more in the second half. Here are five rapid reactions to what we have seen from Clemson in the first two quarters:
Stuck in the middle with you…
Hello offense, my old friend. It’s good to talk with you again. Ok, enough musical references. The Clemson offense has been on fire in the first half against Florida Atlantic. Cade Klubnik has looked like a completely different quarterback than the one we saw in the first six quarters of the season. He is executing the game plan to perfection, has been crisp and precise with his passes, is making good decisions, and is finding his open targets in the middle of the field in space. It has been a clinic offensively for the Tigers and it has been refreshing to see.
What can Brown do for you?…
True freshman receiver Tyler Brown gave glimpses of his talent last week on an electrifying punt return against Charleston Southern. He scored his first receiving touchdown on Clemson’s first offensive possession of the game tonight, blowing right by the defensive back for FAU and running under a beautiful Klubnik pass for the score. Brown is fast, shifty, and electrifying, an element Clemson has been sorely missing in their offense for the past two seasons. More Tyler Brown, please!
Second(ary) to none…
It has not just been the offense. The Clemson defense has been sensational, and especially the back end. The game started with a bang, with Nate Wiggins intercepting an errant Owls pass on FAU’s first drive, taking it to the house for the first score of the game. The Tigers added a second interception later in the first quarter, and the defensive backs and safeties have played lockdown coverage. It helps when the Tigers’ talented defensive line is getting pressure, but to see the secondary make great plays is exciting.
Tight end terror…
Fans had been wondering where the Clemson tight end production had been in the first two games of the season. Jake Briningstool had been touted as a powerful weapon in the arsenal of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, but had mostly been missing from the box score against Duke and Charleston Southern. Not anymore. Briningstool has had a tremendous first half, including hauling in his first touchdown grab of the season, and has been an open and conspicuous target for Klubnik all night. Through the first two quarters, Jake has three catches for 18 yards. Not eye-popping numbers, but the willingness to involve the tight end has been a nice addition.
Gunn shy…
Even with Clemson leading 34-0 at the break, there must be something to coach against. Placekicker Robert Gunn is having another rough night. After rebounding from a disappointing game in the opener, Gunn rebounded last week as he knocked home his first field goal and all seven of his point after attempts against Charleston Southern. Tonight, however, he has shanked a PAT and chip shot 31-yard field goal from dead center. Those are kicks that cannot be missed. It happens occasionally, and everyone knows that, but the kicking game has not lent itself much confidence during the first two and a half games of the season. Coach Swinney will undoubtedly go back to the drawing board looking for consistency in the kicking department.
