The Clemson Tigers responded with a 24-14 bounce-back win over the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on Saturday night.
Despite blocked field goals, missed fourth downs and turnovers, the Tigers (7-2, 6-1 ACC) turned the tide in the third quarter, using two touchdowns and an unexpected turnover to complete the comeback in the second half.
It was a tale of two halves between the Tigers and Hokies (5-5, 3-3 ACC). The home side caught the first break of the game, blocking a Nolan Hauser 46-yard field goal, which was picked up by a Virginia Tech defender and taken the other way for the opening score of the game.
On the first drive of the third quarter, quarterback Cade Klubnik emerged, throwing a 29-yard touchdown pass to Cole Turner to tie the game coming out of the half. Turner, who made an acrobatic grab to secure the score, recorded his third touchdown of the season with the snag.
Then the dominoes began to fall. A 3-and-out for the Hokies gave the Tigers the ball back, and Klubnik would make an even better play than the first touchdown throw. With the blitz coming, the junior was able to remain on his feet on third down, delivering a 41-yard touchdown pass to freshman TJ Moore, who was wide open just before the end zone.
Moore led the team in receiving yards with 58 yards off two receptions.
Complementary football continues to be the catalyst for this team, and it showed again with some help from freshman Ashton Hampton. Hokie quarterback Kyron Drones threw a deep pass to receiver Da’Quan Felton who had Hampton in coverage. Hampton, able to find an arm on the ball, was able to keep possession of the ball and recorded his second interception of the season in limited snaps.
From the turnover, Klubnik hit Jake Briningstool with his third passing touchdown of the game. The reception was incredibly important for Briningstool, who broke a school record for the most receptions by a tight end in school history, passing Jordan Leggett with 113 receptions at the position.
With the win Saturday, the Tigers have now defeated the Hokies in the last seven contests between the two teams.
On defense, the team forced three turnovers in the win and only allowed 228 of total offense. Freshman Sammy Brown, in his first start with the team, recorded a team-high eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, and a sack.
Despite only 72 yards and an interception at the break, Klubnik had a strong second half, totaling 211 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Phil Mafah provided an effort on the ground for the team, rushing for 128 yards off 26 carries.
The team will be back in action next Saturday afternoon as the Tigers will travel to Pittsburgh to play the Panthers at Acrisure Stadium.
