CHARLOTTE – The Clemson defense came out and kicked the door down, striking first in the ACC Chamnpionship.

Defensive end TJ Parker continued his dominant season, flying past No. 8 SMU’s left tackle for a strip sack and recovery to set the No. 17 Tigers up at the Mustangs 33-yard line. That’s 11 sacks on the season for Parker.

Two plays later, quarterback Cade Klubnik delivered a touchdown pass to a wide open Bryant Wesco Jr. for a 35-yard touchdown, drawing blood just 1:25 into the game. The freshman receiver has his fourth touchdown of the season and gave Clemson an early 7-0 lead.

The rapid score was the second-quickest touchdown of the season, only behind Wesco’s 76-yard scamper against App State that properly introduced him to Death Valley.