We grade Clemson’s performance across rushing, passing, defense, and special teams following their 24-10 victory over California in Berkeley.
Rushing Offense: A
Clemson’s ground attack carried the offense in Berkeley, churning out 255 net rushing yards on 49 attempts for 5.2 yards per carry. Freshman running back Gideon Davidson delivered a career-defining performance, leading all rushers with 159 net rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Davidson capped his night with a game-clinching 75-yard touchdown run with 2:58 remaining in the fourth quarter. Wide receiver Tyler Brown added a 27-yard rush on a reverse, while Jarvis Green contributed 31 yards on seven carries. The heavy workload on the ground allowed Clemson to dominate the clock with 34:07 in possession time and convert 2 of 2 fourth-down attempts.
Passing Offense: C+
The Tigers struggled to generate vertical rhythm through the air. Freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds finished 13-of-21 for 108 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. Reynolds was sacked twice for 12 yards lost and lost a first-quarter fumble on a sack that California returned for its lone touchdown of the night. Tyler Brown (29 yards), T.J. Moore (24 yards), and Bryant Wesco Jr. (22 yards) each caught three passes, while tight end Olsen Patt-Henry hauled in a 22-yard reception.
Defense: A
Clemson’s defense posted a dominant performance, holding California to just three offensive points and 231 total yards across 57 plays. The Tigers completely suppressed Cal’s rushing attack, allowing only 86 net yards on 27 carries (3.2 yards per carry). Cornerback Elliot Washington II led the secondary with two interceptions, including a fourth-quarter pick to seal the game. Safety Jerome Carter III, rover Corey Myrick, and linebacker Sammy Brown anchored the tackling efforts with eight total tackles apiece. Defensive end London Merritt added five tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a four-yard sack.
Special Teams: A-
Special teams provided the game-altering spark late in the third quarter when Bryant Wesco Jr. fielded a punt at the Clemson 35-yard line and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown to break a 10-10 tie. Kicker Nolan Hauser converted a 30-yard field goal and went 3-for-3 on extra points, though he missed a 48-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter. Kick returner Chris Johnson Jr. averaged 22.3 yards on three kickoff returns.
Overall Grade: B+
Despite falling behind 7-0 early due to a scoop-and-score fumble, Clemson responded by scoring 24 of the game’s final 27 points. Dabo Swinney’s squad won the line of scrimmage, leaned heavily on its defense and ground game, and executed when it mattered most to secure a 24-10 conference road victory.
