October 11, 2025 Drew Cagle Football
The O’Rourke-McFadden Trophy is headed back to Clemson, South Carolina.
Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers (3-3, 2-2 ACC) earned the rivalry trophy after a dominant 41-10 victory over Boston College on Saturday afternoon inside Alumni Stadium.
Clemson controlled the first half in Chestnut Hill, Mass. through a balanced ground and air attack. Quarterback Cade Klubnik led the Tigers on six straight scoring drives to open the game, including an impressive 38-yard touchdown pass to Bryant Wesco Jr. in the left corner of the end zone.
Klubnik dazzled the Clemson faithful that traveled north, completing 22 of his 30 passes for 280 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The senior added 48 rushing yards and a touchdown run on nine carries. For his work, he received the game’s “Leather Helmet Award” as the Most Valuable Player.
“[Cade has played] back-to-back amazing games,” Swinney said after the win. “He’s just played awesome these last two games, and I’m really proud of him….He was precise. He made some big plays. He had one he’d like to have back, but he really put the ball on the money.”
To close the first half, Tom Allen’s defense flexed its muscle. Boston College turned the ball over on downs in a bizarre sequence. The Eagles could have allowed the second quarter clock to expire and head to the locker room, but chose instead to attempt a 4th & 6 from their own 43.
Quarterback Dylan Lonergan’s pass fell incomplete, and Clemson was able to turn the opportunity into points. Klubnik found Tristan Smith for an 11-yard reception on the sideline. Originally, the officials ruled that the clock should continue to run, but reversed that decision after replay review. Despite a high snap on the ensuing play, Nolan Hauser boomed a 50-yard field goal, and the Tigers led 34-10 at the half.
“Clay [Swinney] basically almost had to stand up,” Swinney described postgame. “It was a really big-time hold by him, and a great job by Hauser, trusting that he was going to get it down and not let it affect his rhythm. Clay got it down, it was a heck of a kick, and a really good operation right there.”
In the second half, Clemson notched only seven points (scored in the final minute of play), but gave backup players plenty of opportunities. Backup quarterback Christopher Vizzina handled the offense after replacing the aforementioned Klubnik exited with an ankle injury.
