CLEMSON – Clemson’s feast or famine in 2023 has led to talk about the offense and defense, but the Tigers’ special teams were the unsung hero in the massive win over No. 12 Notre Dame.

Early on, the return game that’s been nonexistent found a heartbeat through senior wide receiver Hamp Greene. The Irish’s first punt was returned by Green 16 yards to the Notre Dame 41-yard line, and he was a shoestring tackle from taking it back for a touchdown.

His efforts didn’t go unnoticed as running back Phil Mafah scored on the first drive of the play with a touchdown scamper. Greene finished with 57 return yards, a near 10-yard average over six attempts.

The punt game was easily its best on the year, as Aidan Swanson averaged 44.2 yards per kick and Clemson pinned the Irish within their own 15-yard line six times. Three of those came in the fourth quarter, stifling any chances at a comeback and setting off a ferocious Tigers defense.

“It was awesome. In fact, they made Aidan give a speech in the locker room and he said ‘hey, I’ve got the defense’s back’…he took a lot of pride in that. I’m really proud of our coaches and the guys that have taken ownership of that,” Head coach Dabo Swinney said.

Even quarterback Cade Klubnik got in on the fun, delivering a punt on a fake 4th-down attempt that sat down at the 4-yard line. Field position hasn’t been in the favor of Clemson this season, but it did wonders Saturday.

No special teams play was bigger than a muffed punt that was recovered by long snapper Philip Florenzo. It was a right place, right time situation as it secured the Tigers an easy three points.

Complimentary football finally made its arrival for Clemson in 2023, and it was the catalyst for the Tigers securing a signature win over Notre Dame.