CLEMSON – Clemson’s offense did exactly what it was supposed to do in the No. 17 Tigers 51-14 blowout win over The Citadel on Saturday. However, the defense was another story.
Cade Klubnik led the offense to more than 300 yards in the first half and touchdowns on all five of his offensive possessions. The junior quarterback was on point, hitting on 12-of-16 for 198 yards with three touchdowns, barely playing more than a half. The running game also averaged more than 10 yards per carry.
– The offense was so productive that the Tigers had only faced six third down situations over the first three quarters. They converted five of those. And they did not punt once all game. Aidan Swanson was the only senior to not play.
– Clemson also rediscovered some of its explosiveness in this one. The offense had three passing plays that went more than 20 yards and four runs of more than 20. Jay Haynes had two of those, with one going for 70 and another for 24.
– This defense has a lot of work to do before the Gamecocks roll into town in a week. Clemson had all kinds of issues with the misdirection The Citadel employed, struggling with basic assignment football. Bad tackling, a lack of gap discipline and terrible angles ran rampant. If that is not cleaned up by next week it might be a long afternoon in Death Valley.
The Bulldogs had four different players go over 50 yards rushing, totaling 288 yards on the ground and averaging more than six yards per carry.
It’s one thing to want to play a bend but don’t break style, but there is just too much talent on this defense for it to have these kinds of issues stopping the run.
Turning Point
While this one was basically over when Clemson came down the Hill, Payton Page’s 57-yard interception return that put the Tigers up 14-0 late in the first quarter sealed The Citadel’s fate. It was the senior’s first career interception and marked the 15th straight season in which the defense has accounted for multiple touchdowns.
Crazy Number
Clemson had just one more tackle for loss (4) than The Citadel (3) did. With the Bulldogs running 50 times that is kind of scary to think about.
Future Star
David Eziomume showed flashes in the second half of why the staff is so high on him. The true freshman running back averaged nine yards a carry and showed not only some elusiveness but also some power. Admittedly, it was a small sample size.
Career Mark
Phil Mafah rushed for 14 yards, putting him over the 1,000 yard mark for the first time in his college career.
A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
