The Tigers bought off to a blazing quick begin with 28 factors within the first quarter, they usually returned to their locker room on the half main by a rating of 45-7. After main 56-13 after the primary two quarters of their win over Appalachian State final week, Clemson has now scored at least 45 points in the first half of back-to-back games for the primary time since Dabo Swinney turned the varsity’s head coach in 2009.
Throughout Saturday’s victory, Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik accomplished 67% of his passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns along with rushing for 70 yards and another score.
On the defensive facet of the ball, Clemson bought a superb efficiency from defensive finish T.J. Parker, who completed with 5 tackles (two for a loss), two sacks and one pressured fumble. Tigers cornerback Ashton Hampton additionally picked off a go close to the tip of the third quarter and returned it 53 yards for Clemson’s ultimate landing of the day.
Saturday’s win has to have Clemson feeling good, particularly with how many individuals have been down on the group after they suffered a 31-point loss to Georgia of their 2024 season opener.
However since that loss, the Tigers have appeared dominant, outscoring their opponents by a mixed whole of 70 factors. Within the final two weeks, Clemson has appeared way more just like the championship-contending group that individuals envisioned earlier than the beginning of the 2024 season.
Taking a look at the remainder of the Tigers’ schedule, there isn’t any cause why they should not be proper within the combine for a spot on this season’s 12-team School Soccer Playoff.
Of the 9 video games left for Clemson to play, just one is at the moment ranked (No. 15 Louisville), and that matchup will happen contained in the Tigers’ residence stadium. In accordance with the ESPN analytics matchup predictor, Clemson is the favourite to win every of the 9 contests remaining on the varsity’s schedule.
If this occurs, the Tigers would end the season with an 11-1 document, and they may not even want to return out with a win within the ACC Championship sport to finish up as one of many 12 groups within the School Soccer Playoff bracket.
After all, upsets can at all times occur on any given Saturday. However Clemson has rapidly turned issues round after an embarrassing efficiency in its first sport of the season, and the varsity’s fan base can get again to pondering {that a} spot for the Tigers within the School Soccer Playoff is a professional chance.