No. 10 Clemson Dominates Wake Forest, Stays Undefeated in ACC

© Jim Dedmon - Imagn Images

The No. 10 Clemson Tigers (5-1, 4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) dominated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-3, 1-2 ACC) 49-14 behind the sure legs of running back Phil Mafah and the steady play of quarterback Cade Klubnik under beautiful skies on Oct. 12 in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Both Teams' Early Sparks 

The first quarter was a battle of defenses, as each team found minimal success in their early drives. However, Wake Forest did find running lanes outside the tackles and the Clemson secondary gave Wake Forest QB Hank Bachmeier some throwing lanes, albeit small ones. Bachmeier was poised and still completed passes in those small windows. When the opportunity presented itself, he found wide receiver Horatio Fields for a 31-yard touchdown to take the early lead.

The second quarter was all Clemson, as they scored a jaw-dropping 28 points. Clemson attacked the Wake Forest defense with their dynamic running back Phil Mafah. Mafah, behind the Clemson offensive line, broke off hard runs between the tackles and often reached the second level of the Wake Forest defenders. Those defenders received just as much punishment as they struggled to tackle the big back.

Mafah found the endzone twice in the second quarter, while Klubnik continued his stellar play and added two touchdowns in the second quarter as well, the first being a 22-yard pass to wide receiver Antonio Williams and the second came on an 8-yard connection to WR Troy Stellato.

Wake Forest’s offense struggled to overcome early turnovers from Bachmeier. He entered the game having only thrown 2 interceptions this season but equaled that number by throwing 2 more interceptions in the second quarter. Bachmeier’s first interception came on an errant throw across the middle of the field and Clemson safety Kylon Griffin was there to deny the Deacons' offense.

On the very next drive, Bachmeier’s second interception bounced off his intended target and into the arms of Clemson safety Khalil Barnes. Despite the turnovers, Wake Forest scored on a 6-yard pass from Bachmeier to tight end Michael Frogge. It was Frogge’s first career catch and touchdown. Both teams went to the locker room at halftime with Clemson up 28-14.

Clemson’s Second Half Shutout

Clemson’s opening drive of the second half set a dominant tone for the rest of the game. Clemson marched down the field on an impressive 10-play, 5-minute drive that featured hard-hitting runs by Mafah and timely passing from Klubnik. The 75-yard drive was capped by an Adam Randall receiving touchdown which left the Demon Deacons searching for answers on the defensive side.

While Wake Forest’s second half felt like punting practice, Clemson steadily separated themselves from their conference counterpart. Clemson answered one Wake Forest punt with a three-play drive that ended with an exciting double pass from WR Antonio Williams to tight end Jake Briningstool. Clemson’s last scoring drive was a brutal 17-play drive that took 8 minutes off the clock and ended with RB Keith Adams Jr. falling into the end zone. Clemson held Wake Forest to zero points in the second half and finished the game with no turnovers.

Player Of The Game

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik - 31 of 41 for 309 yards and 3 TDs

Klubnik played another outstanding game. He was turnover-free, keeping his season interception total at 2, and even added 30 rushing yards to his stat line.

© Jim Dedmon - Imagn Images

A Tale of Two Halves

The first half left viewers anticipating an exciting second half, one where Wake Forest continued to fight despite being outmatched and, at times, overwhelmed. Unfortunately for the thousands in attendance, Wake Forest did not fulfill those expectations. Clemson’s opening third quarter drive was impressive, and they also set a tone for the second half that Wake Forest could not overcome. The Deacons could not move the ball on offense with any efficiency while Clemson effectively ran the inside dive until fans began to clear out the stadium.

Looking Ahead

The Clemson Tigers are looking to move up in the rankings and continue to dominate the ACC on their way to the conference championship and a College Football Playoff birth. Clemson is arguably the best program in the ACC with only Miami presenting a possible threat to Dabo Swinney and company. Looking ahead, the Tigers still need to face the flailing but ever-dangerous Louisville Cardinals and an exciting Pittsburgh team. Overall, Clemson controls their football future and must win out to give themselves the best chance at the playoff.

Wake Forest had an impressive win last week vs. NC State but was unable to duplicate that magic against Clemson. Offensively, Wake Forest could never establish the run game, and their usually dependable passing attack was anything but reliable, turning the ball over twice in key situations. If they cannot find consistency in all three phases of the game, the Deacons' remaining games will challenge them weekly.