Game Review: Clemson at Wake Forest
Clemson extends their now 5-game win streak with a strong offensive performance coupled with a defensive stand during the second half. The Tigers had an uncanny start trailing 7-0 after the 1st quarter. However, Clemson then rattled off 28 points during the second quarter with help from 2 INTs from Safeties Kylon Griffin and Khalil Barnes. The Tigers’ second quarter injected life into both sides of the ball that led to a dominant 2nd half and a 49-14 win.
Key Tiger Takeaways:
Cade 2 New York: It’s hard to not mention the continued great play from Quarterback Cade Klubnik. Klubnik was 31/41 for 309 passing yards, 3 TDs with 30 rushing yards on 7 carries (ESPN). Klubnik started the game slow, missing a couple of easy throws, but the quick striking second quarter enabled him to continue his domination throughout the game. Klubnik and the Tigers entered into this game without Freshman star Bryant Wesco Jr. who did not make the trip, yet it did not inhibit Clemson from moving the ball at ease. Cade has finally proven his top end ability that has been expected from him since his high school days. His new calmness and confidence has given him to opportunity to be one of the top Quarterbacks in the country. If Klubnik continues these performances, he should most definitely be invited to New York as a Heisman finalist. The Cade 2 New York train starts now.
Finishing Redzone Chances: After concerning redzone play from Clemson against Florida State, Klubnik and Co. were able to silence the doubters for another week after going 5/5 with all touchdowns against the Deacons. Clemson was able to use the physicality from Running Back Phil Mafah and the needle threading passing from Klubnik to get to the endzone. Mafah’s rushing attack enabled him to score a season high 2 touchdowns while also accumulating over 100 yards (ESPN). His physicality seems to inject the Clemson Roster with momentum as he continues to run defenders over with ease. After some criticism from myself last week, Klubnik demonstrated his ability to perform in the short field showcasing some Trevor Lawrence-like needle passes with the help of WR Troy Stellato and TE Jake Brinningstool.
Defensive Turnaround: Despite the two forced 1st half turnovers, the Clemson Defense did not look as advertised. The Defensive Line was not getting pressure into the pocket, the Linebackers were getting confused and torched from Wake Forest’s slow mesh concept, and the Secondary was not winning the 50-50 balls. These defensive woes led to the Demon Deacons accumulating 195 total yards and a turnover masked poor 1st half (ESPN). No matter the amount of struggles from the Tigers, Wes Goodwin and Co. were able to correct the mistakes. After a Tiger scoring drive to set the tone for the 2nd half, the defense returned back to their accustomed ways. They allowed just 38 total yards for the rest of the game with most coming during garbage time against the Tiger backups (ESPN). The Tiger Defense can continue to perform at this level, but their performance during the start of the game does not need to continue for Clemson’s sustained success.
Turnover Battle: A Key to a Tiger Victory was having a clean game offensively that would inhibit Wake Forest from winning the turnover battle. Quarterback Cade Klubnik was able to led yet another clean game, and this Tiger Offense looks night and day different from last season. Dabo’s trust in development has paid off for the Tigers so far this season. It will be difficult for Clemson to lose going forward as long as the Tiger Offense continues to protect the football. As the Offense protected the ball, Clemson’s Defense forced two key interceptions that set up the Offense to get going during the 2nd half. Clemson has won the turnover battle for the fifth straight game, and the Tigers can see the importance on this phase of the game.
Bolstered D-Line: Clemson finally fully released Defensive Lineman Peter Woods after he saw limited action against the Seminoles last weekend. Woods struggled last weekend attempting to get back into the grove, but his performance and impact is obvious. Clemson’s Defensive Line looks immediately better with the presence of Woods. After a slow start, the DL held its own against the tough slow mesh concept. They held strong within their gaps that led to long developing sacks for Linebackers Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz. Clemson has a deep room on their Defensive Line and as long as Peter Woods stays healthy, the attention that he receives will allow others to make plays within opponents’ backfields.
Tiger Fandom: Clemson Fans have restored their hope and expectation for Tiger Football, and it showed once Wake Forest stadium was overrun with a sea of orange. Their stadium during the game was about 50% Tiger Fans. Clemson Fans need to be honored for their continued dedication for this team and the results are being seen on and off the field. Tiger fans have the encouragement to travel anywhere at this point, and this feeling is vital especially with the new landscape of postseason play in College Football. Tiger Fandom deserves their flowers this weekend after turning Winston-Salem into little ole Clemson.
Sources:
ESPN. “ESPN.” ESPN.com, 2019, www.espn.com/.
“Clemson Tigers | Clemson University Athletics.” Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site, clemsontigers.com. (for picture)