It was a tale of two halves for Clemson on Saturday against Virginia Tech, particularly offensively.

Down 7-0 at the half, the 23rd-ranked Tigers turned the tide over the final two quarters and outscored the Hokies 24-7 after halftime en route to a 24-14 victory at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va.

Prior to Saturday, Clemson (7-2, 6-1 ACC) was 0-2 this season when trailing at halftime. So, what changed for the Tigers in the second half against the Hokies?

Former Clemson/All-ACC offensive lineman and current ACC Network analyst Eric Mac Lain was asked that question Saturday night on ACCN’s ACC Huddle show.

“Really it was about the offense,” Mac Lain said. “They had about 13, 14 plays in Hokie territory, zero points in the first half, and that was crazy to see. And then just turning it around, pushing the ball downfield, running the ball extremely well, which is fun to see. We’ve seen that all year from Phil Mafah, his ability for what he does.”

Mafah rushed 26 times for 128 yards in Saturday’s game, while quarterback Cade Klubnik threw for 211 yards and three touchdowns as Clemson totaled 378 yards and 20 first downs. The Tigers scored touchdowns on three of their first four possessions in the second half.

Mac Lain gave props to Clemson true freshman offensive lineman Elyjah Thurmon, who stepped into the left tackle spot as an injury replacement and was certainly more than serviceable against a strong Hokies pass rush.

“Gotta give credit to the left tackle, true freshman – out of nowhere, has to come in and play because of an injury that happens to Tristan Leigh. He did fantastic,” Mac Lain said of Thurmon. “Thought he really held his own. Can’t wait to go back and watch that.”

Mac Lain also made sure to give a shoutout to Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin and his unit, which held Virginia Tech to a season-low 228 total yards while forcing three turnovers and holding the Hokies to a 2-of-14 clip on third downs.

A week after allowing 210 rushing yards in the upset loss to Louisville at Death Valley, the Tigers limited the Hokies to just 40 rushing yards on 21 attempts after they came into the game averaging more than 200 yards on the ground.

Virginia Tech didn’t score on offense until a 14-yard touchdown pass with less than two minutes to play in the contest. Clemson’s stifling defensive effort was especially impressive considering the Tigers were missing a few key players on that side of the ball, including starting defensive end Peter Woods and starting defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart.

“Also I have to give credit to this defense,” Mac Lain said. “To hold Virginia Tech that has been running the ball so effectively to 1 yard per rush – a week removed from getting blitzed by Louisville at home – without DeMonte Capehart, without Peter Woods. Really, really good job. So, shoutout to Wes Goodwin. Great plan. Executed at a high level.”

After winning its seventh straight game against Virginia Tech, Clemson will return to the field this Saturday when it faces off against Pitt – the Tigers’ final road game and final ACC contest of the 2024 regular season. Kickoff at the Panthers’ Acrisure Stadium is set for 12 p.m. on ESPN.

A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!