CLEMSON, S.C. — Nolan Hauser provided all the second-half offense Clemson needed, knocking through five field goals to lift the Tigers to a 22-7 victory over Georgia Southern in front of 81,150 fans at Memorial Stadium.
Here is the postgame position-by-position report card and performance grades for both teams.
Clemson Tigers Report Card
Quarterbacks: C+
Christopher Vizzina started the game, completing 4 of 7 passes for 19 yards with a 10-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Moore before throwing an interception to Jakyri Jones. Tait Reynolds took over the majority of the snaps, going 16 of 27 for 178 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, while adding 38 net rushing yards on 14 carries (along with a lost fumble). The duo combined for 197 passing yards on 20-of-35 passing, but the offense stalled repeatedly inside the red zone.
Running Backs: B
Clemson generated 150 net rushing yards on 39 carries (3.8 yards per carry). Gideon Davidson spearheaded the ground attack with 14 carries for 62 yards, including 38 yards in the fourth quarter to help seal the win. Chris Johnson Jr. provided explosive flashes with 7 carries for 53 yards (7.6 avg). However, the backfield failed to break into the end zone, leaving touchdown duties to the air and special teams.
Pass Catchers: B+
T.J. Moore was the standout playmaker on offense, hauling in 7 receptions on 10 targets for 103 yards and Clemson’s lone touchdown, highlighted by a game-long 45-yard catch. Bryant Wesco Jr. added 6 catches for 35 yards, while Tyler Brown caught 4 passes for 44 yards. Olsen Patt-Henry (2 catches, 6 yards) and Christian Bentancur (1 catch, 9 yards) rounded out a solid receiving effort.
Defense: A-
The Tigers’ defense dominated the line of scrimmage, holding Georgia Southern to a staggering 22 net rushing yards on 18 attempts (1.2 yards per carry). Clemson forced 8 three-and-outs and limited the Eagles to 4-of-17 on third downs. Defensive end Will Heldt was unblockable, recording 3 solo tackles, 2 sacks for 12 yards lost, and 3 tackles for loss. Ronan Hanafin added 5 tackles and a 15-yard sack. Ashton Hampton broke up 3 passes, while Corey Myrick and Sammy Brown registered 5 tackles and a pass breakup each. Elliot Washington II forced a fumble, and Jackson Reach recovered a key muffed punt.
Special Teams: A+
Kicker Nolan Hauser was the star of the night, finishing a perfect 5-for-5 on field goal attempts (20, 34, 38, 50, and 49 yards) along with 1 PAT to score 16 of Clemson’s 22 points. Punter Jack Smith dropped 5 of his 7 punts inside the 20-yard line, averaging 39.7 yards per punt with zero touchbacks. Bryant Wesco Jr. chipped in 36 punt return yards on 4 returns.
