The Clemson Tigers are leading by a score of 17-7 over the Stanford Cardinal at the half. Here are some takeaways from the opening two quarters:

Offense:

 —  Due to a fumble by the Stanford offense in the opening drive, quarterback Cade Klubnik and the Clemson offense began on the Stanford 34-yard line, and Klubnik ran it into the end zone on a 34-yard run four plays later. 

— Clemson started its second drive on its own 25-yard line and Klubnik threw a pass 70 yards to wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. It would later result in a field goal. 

— Running back Phil Mafah finally broke out for a rush of 26 yards with 2:12 left in the half to set up a first and goal on Stanford’s 5-yard line. This would result in a 5-yard touchdown by Jake Briningstool two plays later. 

— Klubnik threw for 141 yards in the first half and connected with five different receivers, including the Wesco 70-yard pass and tight end Olsen Patt-Henry for 22 yards. 

Defense:

— The Tigers stopped Stanford on its opening drive of the game with a turnover on downs. On a 4th-and-1, linebacker Wade Woodaz forced a fumble to limit the Cardinal from getting any yards and gave Clemson the ball in Stanford territory. 

— Cornerback Avieon Terrell recorded his first interception of the season as Stanford was on the goal line. The sophomore picked off quarterback Ashton Daniels in the end zone to prevent a response by the Cardinal. 

— Jeadyn Lukus recorded his first interception of the season as well, as he pulled in a Daniels pass that was sent into a cluster of Clemson and Stanford players. The junior forced another turnover for Clemson in its own territory. 

— The Clemson defense will need to limit Stanford’s success on the ground if they want to hold on to this win. The Cardinal recorded 164 yards on the ground, split between running back Micah Ford and quarterback Ashton Daniels. 

— The rushing attack helped Stanford on its final drive of the game, with Daniels finding receiver Elic Ayomanor with under a minute to go to get a score on the board. 

Special Teams:

— Freshman kicker Nolan Hauser continued his perfect start to the season, nailing a 20-yard field in his only attempt of the opening half. Hauser hit both of Clemson’s extra points as well. 

— Punter Aidan Swanson punted twice in the first two quarters. Both have gone for 47 yards, and one put the Cardinal offense inside of the 20-yard line.