CHARLOTTE – The No. 17 Clemson Tigers have given No. 8 SMU a harsh dose of reality in the first half of the ACC Championship Game.
Cade Klubnik became the first quarterback in league history to throw three first-quarter touchdown passes as Clemson raced out to a 24-7 lead over the Mustangs after one half of play.
Klubnik has been sharp most of the half, completing 11-of-19 for 129 yards and the three touchdowns. He has also been the victim of at least two drops over the first two quarters.
– Phil Mafah has been splitting time with Jay Haynes and has carried the ball just five times. Four of those came over the last three possessions of the half. The senior has been playing with a banged-up shoulder and did start tonight but he had not seen a lot of time on the field until well into the second quarter when he was in on three straight offensive series.
SMU came in allowing just 2.8 yards per carry and so far its run defense has lived up to the billing. Haynes is picking up just three yards per attempt so far.
– Unlike last week, Clemson has been taking advantage of its opportunities. The Tigers forced a turnover on SMU’s first possession when T.J. Parker recorded a strip sack. Two plays later Klubnik found Wesco all alone down the field, connecting with the freshman on a 33-yard touchdown strike.
On the Mustangs’ second drive, the Tigers forced a three-and-out and once again Clemson took advantage of that opportunity as Klubnik marched the offense 75-yards in eight plays quickly putting Clemson up two scores.
– How about the response from the Tigers’ defense after what happened in the fourth quarter last weekend? With SMU using a lot of 12 personnel, we have seen a lot of 4-3 and the Mustangs have just seven points. Kevin Jennings is just 12-of-21 for 102 yards with an interception.
– Clemson is +2 in the turnover margin and after missing his first FG attempt, Nolan Hauser responded by hitting a 44-yarder late in the half to put Clemson up 24-7.
– Under Dabo Swinney the Tigers are 133-1 when leading by 17 or more.
A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
