The Clemson Tigers continued to handle business on Saturday, picking apart Wake Forest, 49-14, in a game that was never close after the first quarter. There was far more good than bad to take away from the contest as Clemson continued to roll through its ACC slate. Here are some takeaways from yesterday’s action.
It was the first time we have seen the Clemson Tigers get off to a slow start since the season-opening loss to Georgia. The Tigers have made a good living out of fast starts and blitzing opponents right out of the gate. Yesterday, the Demon Deacons stymied the Clemson offense early and even took a 7-0 lead through one period. That early bravado, though, would not last. Clemson scored 28 points in the second quarter, building a 28-7 lead, and would never look back.
The offense, once it got going, was sensational again. The Clemson Tigers racked up 566 total yards of offense and were (eventually) as prolific on the ground as they were through the air. Head coach Dabo Swinney showed a pass first game plan, with the Tigers throwing the ball all over the field. Cade Klubnik had one of his best games as Clemson’s quarterback, completing 31 of 41 pass attempts for 309 yards and three touchdowns.
The receivers certainly helped Cade. Jake Briningstool had one of his best games, reeling in seven catches for 104 yards and a touchdown on a nifty double pass from wide receiver Antonio Williams who had a big day himself with six grabs for 69 yards and a score. Troy Stellato is back and healthy, catching six passes for 72 yards and a touchdown. Adam Randall, back from toe surgery faster than anyone expected, also had three receptions and a score.
One head-scratching aspect of the Clemson offense in the first half was the use of Phil Mafah, or lack thereof, in the first half. Mafah finished with a great day, rolling up 108 yards and two scores on 19 carries, but was largely absent from the game plan in the early going. At one point, enjoying first and goal from the four, two straight pass plays were called before Klubnik took it to the two on a keeper on third down.
Only on fourth and goal did Swinney bring in the jumbo package and Mafah found the end-zone. Bottom line is, the Clemson Tigers are a far better football team when Mafah touches the ball. A lot.
Defensively, it was another typical day for the Tigers. It seems at times as if the Clemson defensive line is not getting the strong push up front we are all used to, but conversely the Tigers held Wake Forest and their maddening slow mesh offense to just 87 yards on the ground. That is a superb effort.
The secondary also came to play. The back end of the Clemson defense forced two turnovers, interceptions from Kylon Griffin and Khalil Barnes. Avieon Terrell and Jaedyn Lukas also had productive afternoons. In total, the Clemson Tigers held the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to just 233 yards of total offense, an exemplary effort.
Of course, Nolan Hauser also continued to be unflappable in the place kicking department, connecting on all seven of his extra point attempts.
All things added together, it was another dominating outing for Clemson. The Tigers have won five games in a row and are averaging over 42 points per game on the season, including the loss to Georgia, which is a staggering output. Clemson has legitimately become one of the most fearsome offenses in the country.
This coming week, the Tigers are back home in Death Valley for the first time in three weeks and host the Virginia Cavaliers who are led by former Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliot. Virginia sits in the middle of the pack in the ACC statistically in both rushing and passing, and as a common opponent only beat Wake Forest 31-30. It is another great opportunity for the Tigers to have another big day in front of the home fans.
Kick-off is slated for 12 noon on the ACC Network.
