CLEMSON — The 25th-ranked Clemson Tigers dominated in their 66-20 victory over Appalachian State Saturday in their home opener at Memorial Stadium.

While the offense started the game with seven straight scoring drives, the defense made it possible by squashing five of App State’s offensive attempts in the first quarter.

Following the game, linebacker Wade Woodaz expressed pride in his defensive squad and additionally praised Cade Klubnik’s offense for their “explosiveness.”

This offensive explosion was no surprise for Woodaz, however, who shared that the offense “makes plays all the time” against the Tigers’ defense in practice.

The junior also pointed to the immediate impact of freshman wide receiver Bryant Wesco, who electrified Memorial Stadium with a 76-yard touchdown in the game’s third play. 

“It’s a great feeling when the first time we step on the field it’s 7-0. I’ve been saying it since Bryant Wesco got here… He’s that dude,” Woodaz said.

Woodaz was not only pleased with the offensive production and the defensive starters in the win. He expressed his pride in the younger class of defensive Tigers, including his little brother Drew, a freshman linebacker. 

“It’s really fun just to coach them up on the sideline and root them on,” he said. “It’s going to help us in the future when we need depth, so for them to get in the game and get exposed a little bit, and get their feet wet and learn is really beneficial for us as a team.”

Woodaz and other leaders of the defense have another opportunity to shut down a competent NC State offense when they return from their bye week on Sept. 21.

According to Wade Woodaz, the Tigers’ eyes are, “already on the next opponent.”