Tigers Pounce: Clemson Punish Stanford in a Complete Victory

© Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images

On Sept. 28, the 17th-ranked Clemson Tigers (3-1, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) hosted the Stanford Cardinal (2-2, 1-1) in only the second meeting between the two schools. In the first meeting since 1986, the Tigers pounced in a dominant 40-14 victory. The game marked the third straight win for head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers. The win also moved Swinney into a tie for most wins by a coach in the ACC with Bobby Bowden with 173.

What Happened in the Game?

Clemson scored early and opened up an early 10-0 lead after the first quarter. Highlighted by miscues by the Cardinal with their first two series ending in a fumble and an interception, the Tigers' defense set the tone early with physical play. It wasn't until there was a minute left in the half before Stanford and quarterback Ashton Daniels had a drive that didn't end in a punt or turnover (3 punts, 3 turnovers in the previous 6 possessions of the half). At halftime, the game was already out of hand with the Tigers up 17-7.

The second half of the game brought more of the Tigers' offense and the high-scoring output they had been on during the first half, outscoring the Cardinal 23-7 in the second half. While there were some flashes by Stanford, such as running back Micah Ford running for 122 yards in the game, the Cardinal offense quickly became one-dimensional as Daniels was only able to complete 9-of-19 pass attempts for 71 yards before an ankle injury forced Daniels out of the game. Daniels finished with 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions in the game.

Clemson's defense was everywhere as defensive backs Jeadyn Lukus, Avieon Terrell and linebacker Wade Woodaz all had interceptions while linebacker Sammy Brown lived in the backfield, with two of the four sacks for Clemson. Quarterback Cade Klubnik finished 15-of-31 for 255 yards in the air (48 rushing) and 5 total touchdowns.

Player of the Game

Clemson had control of this game from the opening kickoff and it showed. This game served as a bit of a coming-out party for freshman receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. He scored the second touchdown of his career and finished with 104 yards (he had 134 entering the game). At 6-foot-2, Wesco has the size length and natural playmaking ability to be a dominant force for the Tigers offense.

© Ken Ruinard - Imagn Images

What Does It All Mean?

The win further solidifies the return of the Clemson Tigers. After the wake-up call and disappointing loss to open the season, Klubnik and the Tigers have been on a tear. They have solidified their spot as a team to beat in the ACC and have entered into the conversation for the College Football Playoff. Klubnik has shown he has full control of the Air Raid offense and the Tigers have outscored their opponents 165-69 during their three-game stretch. The Tigers next host the Florida State Seminoles (1-4, 1-3) on Oct. 5.

For the Cardinal, they have competed in their first season in the ACC. While the loss was lopsided, it is only a single conference loss. The bigger loss and question mark moving forward is the health of Daniels. Leaving the game with an apparent ankle injury is a tough loss for the Cardinal offense who had a 62 percent completion percentage entering the game. Quarterback Justin Lamson would take over at quarterback if Daniels is unable. The Cardinal defense was able to get pressure on Klubnik with linebacker Jahsiah Galvan recording a sack in the game. The Cardinal next play Virginia Tech (2-3, 0-1) on Oct. 5.