The Clemson Tigers defeated the NC State Wolfpack in Death Valley on Saturday with a convincing 59-35 victory. Here are a few key takeaways from the matchup:
Paws up: Powerful first quarter
Both sides of the ball came out of the gate swinging for the Tigers, as their offense and defense worked in tandem to lead the Wolfpack 28-0 in the opening quarter.
Cade Klubnik consistently fed both his receivers and rushers throughout the game. He also had one touchdown of his own only 91 seconds after kickoff, with a 55-yard rush.
Antonio Williams had a notable 15 minutes as well, bringing home two touchdown passes in that time frame. Last fall, the sophomore was only on the field for four games due to a variety of injuries, forcing a mid-season redshirt. A healthy Williams has proven to be a beneficial component to the team, and it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on him as the Tigers push further into the 2024 season.
Phil Mafah was just as present in Death Valley, hitting 2,000 career rushing yards. The senior faced a shoulder injury in the first quarter but was quick to get back out on the field — his first touch out of the injury tent being a 38-yard rush into the end zone.
“It stung,” Mafah said of the injury. “But I’m all good.” He continues to show both his dedication and grit within this Clemson team, as well as why he holds the title of RB1.
Paws up: Quarterbacks on display
Clemson went into the second half feeling good with a 45-7 lead, giving Clemson’s offensive coordinators a chance to let their younger talent get a few plays under their belt.
Christopher Vizzina was first to hit the Death Valley turf, a redshirt freshman from Birmingham, Alabama. While he only stuck around for seven passing attempts and four completed passes, he was able to contribute to this week’s win over the Pack.
Another redshirt sophomore, Trent Pearman, got the chance to step in during the final quarter, when he showcased his abilities for two passing attempts and rushing attempts.
Paws down: A slow fourth quarter
While the game harnessed an electric atmosphere at kickoff and throughout the first two quarters, things started to slow down after the half. Clemson’s coaching staff started making subs to allow for younger athletes to get some in-game experience, and four of the five touchdowns from the Wolfpack were scored within the second half.
Clemson was able to score two more touchdowns following the half, one by junior Adam Randall and the other from true freshman Ashton Hampton off an interception. Coach Swinney showed respect for Randall — giving an insight in a post-game interview about a recent injury to the WR.
Swinney stated that Randall broke his toe last Monday, but was adamant about being out on the field Saturday to take on the Pack, and commended his commitment to the team and game.
Hampton’s has been a name Swinney mentioned throughout the offseason, and he proved why with a pick six with 32 seconds left in the third. Post-game, Hampton claimed that his “time will come,” and when faced with the opportunity he “made it happen.”
Paws up: Confidence across the board for The Tigers
It was obvious to spectators that Clemson came out firing on all cylinders. Klubnik was quick to make waves on the field, later saying, “I feel like I’ve got a little speed in me.”
Williams was also feeling the post-win confidence.
“I feel like I could have gotten five,” he said of his touchdown performance. He also praised Klubnik, saying, “He made it really easy for me today.”
A mentality shift was mentioned by many players and head coach Dabo Swinney himself — tying this confidence back to a foundational mindset of success, and expecting only the best from the team, as one body.
