Clemson Tigers
Clemson Tigers Escape Pitt with narrow win in ACC Showdown
The Clemson Tigers improved to 7-2 overall and 6-1 in the ACC with a decisive 28-14 victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies on Saturday at Lane Stadium. It was the seventh straight victory for the Tigers against the Hokies, a streak that stretches back to 2011. This win also improved Clemson's record at Lane Stadium to 9-2, the highest winning percentage for any visiting team in the stadium's history.
Clemson's defense proved formidable against Virginia Tech’s typically high-powered rushing offense. Entering the game, the Hokies averaged over 200 rushing yards per game, but Clemson's front seven held them to only 40 yards on the ground and a paltry 1.9 yards per carry. The Tigers defense limited the Hokies offense to a 14.2% conversion rate on third down, a season-best for Clemson's defense. Freshman linebacker Sammy Brown shined in his first collegiate start, leading the team with eight tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack.
On the offensive side, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik delivered an effective performance, completing 16/34 passes for 211 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Running back Phil Mafah powered the Tigers' ground game with 128 yards on 26 carries, marking his sixth 100-yard game of the season. Wide receiver T.J. Moore was a key target for Klubnik, hauling in a 41-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter that gave Clemson a 14-7 lead.
The Tigers' scoring started in the third quarter after a scoreless first half for Clemson. Klubnik connected with Cole Turner for a 29-yard touchdown, tying the game at 7-7 after Virginia Tech's Quentin Reddish had returned a blocked field goal 77 yards for the Hokies’ only score in the first half. Moments later, Klubnik found T.J. Moore for a 41-yard touchdown to push Clemson ahead 14-7.
In the fourth quarter, Klubnik struck again with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jake Briningstool, capping off a 93-yard drive and giving Clemson a comfortable 21-7 lead. Nolan Hauser added a 34-yard field goal to stretch the lead to 24-7. Virginia Tech managed a late touchdown pass from Collin Schlee to Ayden Greene with 1:43 left, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback. Interceptions by Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton and safety R.J. Mickens, contributed to the +2 turnover margin for the Tigers. Clemson improves to 58-1, under head coach Dabo Swinney in games with a positive turnover margin.
Tigers Improve to 6-1 in ACC After Road Win over hokies
The Clemson Tigers improved to 7-2 overall and 6-1 in the ACC with a decisive 28-14 victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies on Saturday at Lane Stadium. It was the seventh straight victory for the Tigers against the Hokies, a streak that stretches back to 2011. This win also improved Clemson's record at Lane Stadium to 9-2, the highest winning percentage for any visiting team in the stadium's history.
Clemson's defense proved formidable against Virginia Tech’s typically high-powered rushing offense. Entering the game, the Hokies averaged over 200 rushing yards per game, but Clemson's front seven held them to only 40 yards on the ground and a paltry 1.9 yards per carry. The Tigers defense limited the Hokies offense to a 14.2% conversion rate on third down, a season-best for Clemson's defense. Freshman linebacker Sammy Brown shined in his first collegiate start, leading the team with eight tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack.