After Clemson’s mediocre offensive play last weekend, starting QB Cade Klubnik and the rest of this young offense needed to come back in striking fashion. While they had a slow start to the game, they came to life in the second-half and didn’t leave the Hokies any room to spare. Here are the offensive grades from this past weekend:
Quarterback: B
The game started off slow for Klubnik, throwing his fourth interception of the year in effort to evade pressure on the initial offensive drive. The 210-pound quarterback was constantly trying to extend plays and use his legs to escape but the Hokies defense was simply too much for him, stopping him on crucial downs to leave the Tigers in a 7-0 deficit going into halftime. Luckily, his second-half performance was able to buff his grade.
The latter half of the game saw Klubnik make play after play to lead his team to victory. To open the second half, the Tigers went on an 8-play, 60-yard offensive drive that ended with a deep passing touchdown to Cole Turner. But, the Heisman candidate didn’t slow down there, breaking a sack and making a highlight throw to T.J. Moore for the touchdown on the following offensive possession.
Klubnik and the offense had continual success, later going on a 93-yard touchdown drive to put them up 21-7. The junior quarterback completed 16 of his 34 attempts and threw for 211 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Along with 30 yards on the ground. While it wasn’t a fantastic performance, I will take it after last week. His interception was also more of a tipped-arm punt that gave Clemson a good field position rather than an ignorant mistake, so I cut him some slack on the grade.
Running Back: A
Mafah continued his strong senior campaign, being the only constant positive offensively throughout this game as he started and finished the day well. The six-foot-one running back ended the contest with 128 yards on 26 carries, including a 31-yard rush in the first half.
He got the job done; he was asked to carry the rock and did so effectively, nothing more and nothing less. The only thing that is holding back from that A+ is a touchdown.
Sitting at 981 currently, Mafah’s set to break 1,000 rushing yards next weekend against Pittsburgh.
Wide Receivers: B
T.J. Moore, former five-star and true freshman, led the wide receiver corps with 58 yards on two receptions, with one being the 41-yard touchdown heave from Cade Klubnik.
Although Cole Turner only caught one ball all game, his 29-yard touchdown catch sparked life into the Clemson offense and started their rally to prevail past their deficit.
Antonio Williams had a game-high five receptions for 48 yards, solidifying his consistency even through offensive struggles. Junior WR Troy Stellato also pitched in 20 yards on three receptions.
Tight Ends: B+
It was a special night for this position room as Senior Jake Briningstool prepared to become the Tigers’ all-time receptions leader for tight ends.
In the contest, Briningstool continued to prove just how elite and consistent his hands are, catching three balls for 39 yards and one touchdown. Briningstool recorded his 113th reception in the third quarter, surpassing former record holder Jordan Leggett. Briningstool broke two tackles after receiving a ball from Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik and dove into the end zone for a 12-yard score.
Offensive Line: B+
Following the announcement of Collin Sadler’s season-ending injury and the loss of starting LG Marcus Tate for this week’s game, sophomore Noah Sewell took over in the left side of the trenches.
Unfortunately, injuries continue to stack up for the Tiger’s offensive line as LT Tristan Leigh left the contest against Virginia Tech after rolling his ankle on the opening drive. Both Leigh and Tate are considered “day-to-day,” according to Dabo Swinney.
Nevertheless, the line still got it done, as they didn’t allow any sacks. The injured left side of the line saw Sewell play all 82 snaps and let up just one pressure and hurry throughout the game, which is solid for a young, inexperienced lineman. Like Sewell, true freshman Elyjah Thurmon let up one pressure and a hurry. The left tackle replacement played a career-high 73 snaps and was able to fill his role well.
The right side of the line could have had a better day as RG Walker Parks and RT Blake Miller allowed one QB hit, five pressures and four hurries throughout the contest. C Ryan Linthicum also allowed two pressures and hurries. Hopefully, they can clean it up as guys come off of the injury report, but regardless, they were able to hold it down on Saturday, and I’m proud of them for that.
