CLEMSON – The first half for Clemson versus Wake Forest was one to forget to say the least. With the wind howling in Death Valley, it was clear the Tigers would rely on the run game and it was below average early, making it a 7-3 game at the break.

During that first 30 minutes, the Clemson run game had just 40 yards on a 2.7 average. It’s a large reason why the Tigers struggled against the Demon Deacons, but running back Will Shipley knew the unit would come online.

“Phil and I kind of conversed at halftime and knew what we had to do. Knew that we had to step up so to go out there and really just fulfill our mission,” Shipley said.

After the break, fatigue set in for Wake Forest and Clemson began breaking their will on the ground. Shipley and Phil Mafah led the way for a running game that averaged 6.2 yards per carry in a 167-yard half.

Shipley was the one who gave the Tigers the win in the fourth quarter, cashing in with the touchdown on a drive where he led the way with 33 yards. Following his score, the Demon Deacons made it a one-possession game and failed the onside kick.

Wake Forest’s defense had a chance to get it back to their offense, but Mafah stepped in with a 33-yard drive of his own and put a bow on the game.

“Phil at the end of the gmae, just burying them. Just putting them six feet under. That’s what we preach as a running back room and to go out there and do it. To lead this football team to victory is a great feeling,” Shipley said.

The pair of Shipley and Mafah is one of the best in college football, but this was the best performance we’ve seen of the two in tandem during the 2023 season. While the passing game has to be better, C.J. Spiller’s unit putting the game in their hands derailed any possibilities of a loss.