Clemson won its fifth straight game, keeping the winning streak alive, with a 49-14 win over Wake Forest. This win not only extended the Tigers’ win streak for the 2024 season but also their win streak against the Demon Deacons, which is now 16 straight. This means Dabo Swinney stays undefeated against Wake Forest in his 16 years as the Clemson head coach.
It was another slower start in the first quarter for the Tigers, but they exploded in the second quarter. Cade Klubnik continues to show out and prove why so many were excited about him coming out of high school. The offense can move the ball methodically down the field or create explosive plays and score. The defense is also making big plays getting takeaways and stuffing the run game. Clemson is firing on all cylinders as it moves to 4-0 in the ACC.
Second Quarter Explosion
As mentioned, Clemson came out flat in the first 15 minutes much like last week. The Tigers were down seven at the end of the first quarter for the first time this season after giving up a 31-yard touchdown pass. The next drive the Tigers responded opening up the second quarter with a 22-yard touchdown pass. From that moment on, it was a dominant performance by the Tigers.
The next two Wake Forest offensive possessions ended with interceptions by the Clemson defense. The first one was by Kylon Griffin playing great zone coverage in the middle of the field. The second interception was made by Khalil Barnes off of a tipped pass. Both picks led to touchdowns for the Tigers on offense. The defense made things difficult for the Demon Deacons, especially in the run game. Clemson’s defense only gave up 87 total rushing yards.
Demond Claiborne was never able to get going beyond the Deacs’ first scoring drive. He finished with 18 carries for just 53 yards. When Claiborne was slowed down, the Wake Forest offense as a whole began to slow down as well. Hank Bachmeier did some good things throwing for two touchdowns, but ultimately the two interceptions he also threw were the beginning of the end.
From there, the Clemson offense continued to make plays and score points at the high rate it had the last few weeks. This week the offense was much better at finishing drives with touchdowns. The Tigers went 5-for-5 in the red zone, each score being a touchdown. Phil Mafah had a great day running the football with 20 carries for 118 yards and two touchdowns. The best performance of the game though once again came from Klubnik.
Klubnik Steals the Show
Klubik has shown so much growth over this season. Looking back a year ago against Wake Forest Klubnik had one of his worst games of the year. He threw for less than 150 yards and it started sparking conversations among the Tiger fan base on if Klubnik could live up to the expectations. This year against Wake Forest Klubnik looked like the guy who can carry this Clemson team back to the championship success it’s looking for.
Klubnik’s confidence and decision-making have been on another level. What makes it better is how infectious his energy is to the guys around him. Klubnik finished the game completing 31 of his 41 pass attempts for 309 yards and three touchdowns. Each touchdown went to a different receiver with Antonio Williams, Troy Stellato, and Adam Randall each catching a Klubnik touchdown pass. Klubnik’s confident energy is so contagious it even got Williams to throw a touchdown pass to Jake Briningstool in the third quarter. If Klubnik can keep up his great play, he will lead Clemson to great success this season.
Looking Forward
Clemson has now played half of its regular season schedule. Besides the slip-up in week one, the Tigers have looked dominant throughout. Especially in conference games. Next weekend the Tigers will be back to Death Valley taking on Virginia. The Cavaliers’ head coach Tony Elliot will make his return to Clemson.
This game as well as the game that follows against Louisville could be two real tests for Clemson. If the Tigers are not careful either of these teams could pull an upset. If Klubnik keeps playing how he has been though, it is hard to see who else on the Tigers’ schedule could take them out. Consistency was the key for this Clemson team coming into the 2024 season. Thus far this group has been that.
