The Clemson Tigers we know and love are back. With their 66-20 victory over the Appalachian State Mountaineers, Dabo Swinney’s squad set multiple program records to redeem an offense that has been facing heavy criticism for recent performances.
Thirty-five points in the first 15 minutes tied the school record for the most points scored in any quarter, and 56 set the scoring record of any half. Quarterback Cade Klubnik’s stat line will go down as one of the best in Clemson history, completing 24 of 26 pass attempts for 378 yards and five touchdowns. The Tigers scored on each possession under his arm.
He is the first collegiate player in 25 years to post five passing touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns and a 90% completion rate.
“It’s pretty cool,” he said upon learning the statistic.
“At the end of the day, it’s just stats,” he added. “It takes all 11 of us, and I can’t do any of that without them.”
It appears that Swinney heard the frustrations of fans who were left scratching their heads over his choice of receivers against Georgia. By starting Bryant Wesco Jr., the Tigers were set up for success in ways even they could not predict.
Clemson had two plays of 50 or more yards last year, with a long of 69 yards against Charleston Southern and 50 against Miami. Fingers were pointed at Klubnik, Swinney and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley as fans and analysts alike struggled to understand why the offense was not gelling as it had in previous years.
In the first quarter alone, the Tigers had three drives over 50 yards.
Former five-star recruit Wesco Jr. scored on his first-ever touch in Death Valley with a 76-yarder from Klubnik, joining the ranks of notable alumni Justyn Ross and Sammy Watkins with this accomplishment. Wesco finished the night with three receptions, 130 yards and one touchdown and set the Tigers up inside the five for Klubnik’s first rushing touchdown.
“Never in my life would I have dreamed I would be here right now,” the freshman said.
Running back Phil Mafah has proven his ability to bully his way through opposing defensive lines, but he got to showcase his speed tonight. After finding a gap in the Mountaineers, he rushed 83 yards up the middle, reaching a top speed of 20.6 mph on his way to the endzone.
Never complacent, the senior said, “I want to hit 21,” with a large grin.
Mafah finished the night with 10 touches for 118 yards, averaging 11.8 per carry.
After the starting signal caller’s explosive first half, second- and third-stringers Christopher Vizzina and Trent Pearman were able to get playing time. Vizzina made his first trip to the end zone in the third quarter, faking a pump pass and rushing to the left through the Mountaineers’ defense.
The Tigers will be back in action in two weeks when the NC State Wolfpack travels to Death Valley for the first time since 2022’s top 10 College Gameday matchup.
