Tigers Climb 3 Spots Following 66-20 Rout of Appalachian State
After a disappointing start to the 2024 season that saw them plummet 11 spots to No. 25 following a 34-3 loss to Georgia, the Clemson Tigers bounced back in Week 2 with an emphatic 66-20 victory over Appalachian State. The dominant performance propelled Dabo Swinney’s squad up to No. 22 in this week’s AP Top 25 poll.
Clemson’s offense, which managed a meager 188 yards and failed to find the end zone against the top-ranked Bulldogs, roared to life against the Mountaineers. The Tigers put up their highest point total in years, with the starting quarterback leading the way in an excellent performance. Clemson imposed its will on the ground, overwhelming App State with a potent rushing attack.
The 63-point outburst marked a dramatic turnaround from Week 1 and sent a message that the Tigers’ offense may be back on track after the dismal showing against Georgia. If Clemson can sustain this level of offensive production, it would position them as a strong contender in the ACC along with No. 19 Miami.
While the caliber of the opponent was a step down from Georgia, the way Clemson thoroughly dominated Appalachian State on both sides of the ball provided hope that the team can still be a force this season despite the opening stumble. The Tigers’ ability to regroup and deliver a convincing win showed resilience and put them back on an upward trajectory in the rankings.
Clemson will look to build on the momentum from the App State rout as they aim to continue climbing back up the polls. However, the Tigers still have significant ground to make up after falling to the fringes of the rankings with the lopsided loss to Georgia.
The road ahead won’t be easy in a deep ACC that also features Florida State, Miami, and No. 24 NC State. But if Clemson’s offense can maintain the high-powered form showcased against Appalachian State, the Tigers have the talent and pedigree to potentially reestablish themselves as one of the top contenders this season.
For now, Swinney and his team will focus on stacking more performances like the Week 2 win as they try to climb back into the playoff picture. With a dominant victory under their belt and a jump up the rankings, Clemson appears to be moving in the right direction after the early adversity. The college football world will be watching closely to see if the Tigers can continue their ascent in the coming weeks.
