On a chilly Saturday afternoon in Death Valley, the Clemson Tigers secured a 42-21 victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Military Appreciation Day.
The Tigers faced a slow start, going three and out on their initial two drives. A failed fake punt attempt handed Georgia Tech the ball on the Tigers’ 25-yard line, resulting in an early 7-0 lead for the Yellow Jackets.
Clemson’s offense found its rhythm on the third drive, with Cade Klubnik connecting with Beaux Collins for a crucial 20-yard completion on 4th and 7. Klubnik then found Collins again for a 5-yard touchdown pass later in the drive, leveling the score.
The Tigers continued to surge in the second quarter, with Tyler Brown’s remarkable one-handed snag on a fade route extending their lead to 14-7.
Will Shipley added to the onslaught with a 32-yard run for a touchdown, putting Clemson up 21-7 late in the first half.
Despite a blocked 47-yard field goal attempt by Jonathan Weitz at the end of the half, the Tigers dominated defensively. Clemson held Georgia Tech to just one single passing yard and under 100 total yards in the first half, with the Yellow Jackets’ lone score resulting from the earlier fake punt.
The Tigers maintained their momentum in the third quarter, as Klubnik connected with tight end Jake Briningstool for a 5-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 28-7.
While Clemson’s offense slowed, the defensive dominance continued in the second half, as they secured three more interceptions—four in total for the day—all coming from freshmen: Shelton Lewis, Khalil Barnes, Kylon Griffin, and Aveion Terrell.
“We stacked,” Terrell said. “It’s going to be lit these next couple of years but I’m proud of my boys. We talked about it before we got here that we all need a pick so I’m glad we all got one.”
Avieon Terrell
Terrell today had four tackles and an interception in today’s game. Another standout performance came from his teammate Shelton Lewis, who not only had one of the interceptions but also finished with four passes defended which included two crucial deflections in the endzone.
“Man it’s awesome,” said Swinney. “It’s fun to see them grow in their confidence and to be able to go out now. It just puts wind in everybody’s sails. We got a really good group and a lot of guys back on defense. Especially in the front and that secondary.”
Dabo Swinney
With this victory, the Tigers secured their eligibility for the bowl season, marking the 19th consecutive season and boasting the fifth-longest active streak in college football. The next two games against UNC and South Carolina will determine the Tigers’ upcoming bowl game.
Swinney recognizes the ability of the No. 23 UNC Tar Heels to put up a lot of points quickly. However, he outlined a few keys to being prepared for North Carolina.
“Have a great Monday, great Tuesday, great Wednesday, just do what we do. Have a great week and focus on the task at hand,” Swinney emphasized.
Dabo Swinney
The Tigers will face off with the Tar Heels at 3:30 on Saturday the 18th in Death Valley, aiming to secure their second upset against a top-25 opponent in the last three weeks.
