Efforts from Cade Klubnik and Antonio Williams not enough to mask defensive miscues, Tigers fall to 3-5
On November 1st, Clemson (3-5) fell to Duke (5-3) despite an exceptional offensive effort from Cade Klubnik and the rest of the Tigers offense. Before kickoff, Cade was removed from the injury report after missing the SMU game with an ankle injury. Additionally, Bradyen Jacobs and Tristian Smith were announced as first time starters, with Smith gaining cheers from an impressive Tigers crowd.
The first half was a shootout, with eight total touchdowns by the two teams. Duke climbed out to an early 21-7 lead following three touchdown passes from Darian Mensah. Mensah entered today leading the ACC in passing yards, and contributed 230 yards and four touchdowns in the first half.
The Tigers roared forward in the second, reaching the end zone three straight times in the period. A trio of touchdowns from Adam Randle and Antonio Williams allowed Clemson to take a 28-21 lead in the final minute, but a 43 yard touchdown pass to Que’Shawn Brown evened the score at 28. Duke was aggressive throughout the half, going a pivotal four for four on fourth down. The Tigers entered the second hoping to continue to dominate on the ground (outrushing Duke 142-8) and tighten up their defense.
The shootout continued into the third. Duke opened up the half with a punt, but every following drive in the quarter ended with a score. A jumbo package handoff to Peter Woods got the Tigers back into the end zone, but a Blue Devils kick return touchdown evened the score once again. An eight minute Clemson drive stalls at the goal line, and a 22 yard field goal gives Clemson a 38-35 lead entering the final period of this fever dream of a game.
Anyone who’s played Madden on rookie mode knows how these offenses looked throughout this game. Each of both teams’ numerous explosive plays almost felt scripted, often featuring an offensive player running down the field completely alone. Missed assignments, busted coverage, and genuinely impressive QB play created one of the most high scoring spectacles in recent memory in Death Valley. TJ Moore ran in a screen pass for a 75 yard touchdown to get the scoring started in the fourth. With five minutes remaining, Duke regained possession at their own eleven yard line, and drove 71 yards down the field before running into a 4th and ten. One of the worst pass interference calls of the year puts the Blue Devils on the three yard line, and Duke punches it in with 40 seconds remaining. A two point conversion gives the Blue Devils a one point advantage, 46-45. Boo’s erupted following the abysmal interference call, and persisted through the remainder of the game.
Despite the outcome, the offense truly had their standouts. Cade Klubnik finished 26/35 with 270 yards and two touchdowns. Antonio Williams had ten catches for 149 yards and a touchdown. Adam Randall found the end zone twice, with 95 all purpose yards. The final score was not what you’d hope for, but there were exciting elements to the match.
Clemson looks to snap their two game losing streak next Saturday against FSU at Death Valley.
