Tigers on the Prowl: Clemson Roars Past Wolfpack 59-35

Clemson | Tigers roar — © Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images

On Sept. 21, the 21st-ranked Clemson Tigers (2-1, 1-0) beat the NC State Wolfpack (2-2, 0-1) 59-35 in the season's first Atlantic Coast Conference game for both programs. It was the 92nd overall matchup between the two schools. Clemson looked to avenge last season's loss to the Wolfpack. Quarterback Cade Klubnik and the Tigers continued their offensive explosion with quick scores. Clemson just roared past NC State, who was without injured starting quarterback Grayson McCall.

What Happened in the Game

Klubnik ran for a 55-yard touchdown to open the scoring in the first quarter. The Tigers' offense was off to the races from there, quickly jumping out to a 28-0 lead after one. Highlighted by 2 Wolfpack fumbles, Clemson took advantage of short fields for 2 first-quarter scoring drives.

The Wolfpack got on the board in the second quarter with a 5-yard TD pass from quarterback CJ Bailey to running back Jordan Waters. Clemson's defense proved too much as it forced two more punts by the Wolfpack in the second quarter. The Tigers led 45-7 at halftime. As for the second half, it was more of the same with Clemson's defense getting in on the scoring with a 53-yard TD interception return by cornerback Ashton Hampton.

Klubnik turned in another strong performance, completing 16-of-24 passes for 209 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also added 70 yards rushing and a TD on the ground. Running back Phil Mafah had his second straight 100-yard game this season, totaling 122 yards. For the Tigers' defense, it did allow 436 yards of offense by the Wolfpack. But Clemson got three turnovers on Sept. 21.

Man of the Game

Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson, 122 yards rushing, 1 touchdown

Clemson's offense was in high gear from the opening kickoff. Phil Mafah had quite an impressive day. Mafah's longest run against the Wolfpack was 38 yards. He averaged 15 yards per rushing attempt. Against an NC State team that many thought would challenge for the ACC title, Mafah had impressive runs every time he touched the ball.

What it means for the Clemson Tigers

Rumors of head coach Dabo Swinney being on the way out from Clemson are greatly exaggerated. After a rough outing against the then-top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (3-0), the Tigers and Klubnik have won two straight games by a combined 125-55 score. The Tigers made a statement to begin their ACC schedule and put the conference on notice that they have their sights set on winning the ACC crown in 2024. The Tigers next play new ACC member Stanford (2-1, 1-0) on Sept. 28 before they clash with the Florida State Seminoles on Oct. 5.

What it means for the NC State Wolfpack

For the Wolfpack, the loss drops head coach Dave Doeren's team to 2-2 overall and gives them an early loss in the conference. While not out of the question, the remaining games for the Wolfpack become more important. The underlying concern, however, is that in the two losses, the Wolfpack have been outscored 110-55. McCall, who suffered his injury on Sept. 14 against Louisiana Tech, was out on Saturday. CJ Bailey started at quarterback for NC State. Anyway, Wolfpack playmakers haven't seemed to show up for the better opponents. The Wolfpack next play the No. 23 Northern Illinois Huskies on Sept. 28.