BLACKSBURG, VA – That was the Clemson defense fans had been expecting to see this season.
After experiencing some inconsistencies through the first eight games, Dabo Swinney challenged his defense and Wes Goodwin’s unit went out and had its best performance of the season on Saturday, leading the No. 23 Tigers to a 24-14 win over Virginia Tech.
The defensive front was as relentless as it has been all year, and while Clemson only finished with one sack, that group consistently made life uncomfortable for Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones.
The difference-maker was that run defense, though. Tech came in a averaging more than 200 yards per game on the ground and last night they finished with just 40. The Tigers held the Hokies to just 1.9 yards per attempt.
Goodwin tweaked some things including going with a more traditional 4-3 look over the 4-2-5 the Tigers had employed for most of the season. That included giving Sammy Brown his first start and the freshman did not disappoint, finishing with a team-high eight tackles. He also had the Tigers’ only sack of the night and half of their five tackles for loss.
“Coach Swinney challenged us all week about not backing down,” said T.J. Parker, who forced a second quarter fumble. “I am super excited with the way we played tonight. We played with courage. We played with effort. We were flying to the ball.”
Clemson Gets Some Needed Help
After the loss to Louisville, the Tigers were going to need a lot of help to make it to the ACC Championship Game. Well, they got some on Saturday, as Georgia Tech dealt Miami its first defeat of the season. The Hurricanes still hold the tiebreaker over the Tigers, but if they were to drop one more, which isn’t inconceivable, and Clemson were to beat Pitt, the Tigers would advance to Charlotte. They still don’t control their own destiny but their chances are a lot better now than they were coming into the weekend. And as we have seen so many times already this season, any team can be beaten on any given day.
“We’re going to move on to Pitt and go win that one,” Cade Klubnik said. “That’s our goal. Just focus on what we have and what is in front of us and what we control.”
There is a scenario in which Clemson could possibly win a tiebreaker scenario with SMU if both were to finish with just one conference loss. However, that would entail Virginia needing to win out in league play, which would include beating the Mustangs on the road in two weeks.
True Freshman Shine
Clemson’s 2024 recruiting class continues to step up and deliver. On top of what they got from Brown, there were two more first-year players that came up big.
Elyjah Thurmon and Ashton Hampton both played huge roles on Saturday, as well. Thurmon came in early after starting LT Tristan Leigh went down with an injury. The true freshman was outstanding in his most extensive action of the season and at one of the most important positions on the field. Thurmon is so versatile, he could probably play at any of the five spots along the offensive line.
Hampton also had himself a night after coming in for Jeadyn Lukus. The 6-foot-2 corner uses his length so well and that one handed pick was a play that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. You won’t see many interceptions better than that one.
Phil Mafah Goes for 100+
Mafah just keeps chugging right along. The senior back went over the century mark for the fifth time this season, finishing with 128 yards, while averaging five yards per carry.
FG Woes Continue
Nolan Hauser had another field goal attempt blocked on Saturday. That now makes five on the season. While this one did come off of his foot a little low, it was also another example of the protection in front of him breaking down. Payton Page just got blew up and the Hokies were able to bring pressure right up the gut. Having that many blocked due to protection issues is just inexcusable.
Curious Case of the Drops
Over the first half of the season, the Tigers’ pass catchers had been fairly reliable but over the past two games, this group has been suffering from a case of the “dropsies.” Cade Klubnik saw five of his passes inexplicably dropped in the win. Balls that hit guys dead in their hands. If those balls are caught, this offense probably puts 40 points on the board and Klubnik goes over 300 yards passing on the night. And three of them came from the two freshman wideouts. Those are things that need to get corrected.
Eating Crow
Here’s the part where I can admit was downright wrong about this one. Obviously, I picked Virginia Tech to win, mostly due to the Tigers struggles against the run and coming in, the Hokies had displayed a pretty potent rushing attack for much of the season. Not last night. When I am wrong, I can admit I was wrong and boy did I miss the mark with this one.
A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
