Many had no idea when they would step into Memorial Stadium on Saturday night the performance that the Clemson football offense would have on Saturday night against Appalachian State.
Swinney on the WR room tonight:
Dabo Swinney
“Our receivers played like we expected them to play… all those guys had an opportunity to make plays.”
The result? A 66-20 win over the Appalachian State Mountaineers, including an enormous 712 total yards on offensive. It would be the most yards on offense in a game since 2018.
When it was all said and done, the Tigers went into the half with 49 points. Seven drives. Seven touchdowns. It was the most yards in a half in Clemson history.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik had a historic night while only playing one half, achieving career-highs in passing yards, passing touchdowns and rushing touchdowns. He would finish with 378 passing yards, five passing touchdowns and two on the ground.
Klubnik on the offense’s explosiveness tonight:
Cade Klubnik
“All 11 guys doing their job thats whats great about the game of football… you have to have ALL 11 guys doing their job… last week we didnt have that… tonight we were all in perfect sync.”
It began on the third play from scrimmage and all dominos fell simultaneously, when Klubnik threw a half-field pass that was caught by freshman receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. and taken to the house for a 72-yard play.
A drive after, Klubnik would connect with Wesco again. This time, 52 yards. On the goal line, Klubnik would use his legs to score a rushing touchdown a play after.
Wesco Jr. Clemson’s confidence heading forward:
Bryant Wesco Jr.
“It really gives us a big confidence boost knowing we’re good enough to be one of the best teams in the nation.”
The drive after? You guessed it, another touchdown, coming from Phil Mafah outrunning Mountaineer defenders and recording an 82-yard score.
Tight end Jake Briningstool had two scores. Antonio Williams and TJ Moore had one each. Klubnik got another with his legs.
When it was all said and done, the Tigers went into the half with 49 points. Seven drives. Seven touchdowns. It was the most yards in a half in Clemson history.
35 first quarter points is also the most in a first quarter in school history, while it ties the most in any quarter.
Despite the second and third teams playing, the team would hold off the Mountaineers, forcing three turnovers to continue to dominate the game.
Briningstool would finish with 100 yards and two touchdowns and Wesco would finish with 130 yard and a touchdown. Phil Mafah added 118 yards on the ground with a score.
It would be the first time that the Tigers had two 100-yard receivers and a 100-yard rusher since 2012 against NC State.
Clemson will head into the bye week with a win, and will face NC State on Sept. 21st at home.
