MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Clemson Tigers looked like the team from the first few games of the season in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. With three unforced turnovers, Miami got to take an early lead with a backup quarterback even if their offense was practically nonexistent.

Even with all the errors, Clemson is tied at the break thanks to another week of success from the Tigers defense. With the Hurricanes receiving the ball after the break, here’s the halftime observations.

-Clemson had some deja vu to the season opener when running back Will Shipley fumbled inches from the goal line on the Tigers’ second drive of the game. It ended up being a 14-point swing as the Hurricanes scored on a 80-yard touchdown on the very next play. These mistakes are inexcusable, especially that close to a touchdown.

-With wide receiver Antonio Williams back in the rotation, freshman Tyler Brown is maintaining his spot in the slot often. Williams is moving all around and Garrett Riley opened up the pass game early, even if it wasn’t up to par. A full-strength receiving core opens the door for the aggressive play-calling and we saw it early in Miami.

-Freshman defensive tackle Peter Woods was in a walking boot, but now he’s wrecking shop against the Hurricanes. Woods is also taking reps at defensive end with the absence of Xavier Thomas, and he’s spending a lot of time in the backfield.

-For a half that looked so messy, Clemson finally came away with a 50/50 ball on a 32-yard touchdown by tight end Jake Briningstool. It was quarterback Cade Klubnik’s best throw of the night and likely Briningstool’s best catch of the season. He’s the Tigers’ leading receiver at halftime with three catches for 57 yards.

-The offensive success in the first half often came from Klubnik creating. Riley went to the zone read often and it wasn’t as successful as Clemson may have hoped. That said, the improvisation was where Klubnik’s legs were successful and that should be the majority of using his mobility.

-Klubnik had two brutal mistakes in the first half: a fumble trying to extend the play and an interception on third down that never had to be forced. The Tigers were in their own way and it can’t stay that way if Clemson hopes to win this game.

-Beyond the 80-yard touchdown, Miami mustered just 59 yards and seven first downs, with two coming on penalties. As we’ve said before this season, Wes Goodwin is doing his job and so is his unit. It’s time for the other side of the ball to step up.