CLEMSON — Though it was not a pretty game for the Clemson offense in last week’s double-overtime loss to Miami, it was not due to a lack of effort from tight end Jake Briningstool.

Earlier this week, Briningstool was named the John Mackey Award Tight End of the Week after his stellar performance against Miami.

The junior recorded a Clemson record 126 yards for a tight end on five receptions, including two touchdowns.

Briningstool highlighted his heavy involvement among the Clemson offense, his trust in quarterback Cade Klubnik, and the morale of the team going forward this season following the Miami loss.

–Even with a record-setting game for Briningstool, he still remained humble about the team’s loss in Miami. “I’m a team-first guy, so I’d rather take a ‘W’ over any individual stats any day.”

–“It felt good to get some opportunities to use my size,” said Briningstool in regard to his 32-yard touchdown reception. “I’m glad (Cade Klubnik) trusted me to make that play. He put the ball in a great spot. It made it easier on me to make the catch.”

–When asked about the efforts behind his involvement in the passing game, Briningstool commented, “All season long we’ve been trying to do it, but I think this game was really where I got a lot of opportunities to catch balls down the field. That’s something that I personally wanted more of – to be more involved with downfield passing and a more vertical threat. I think it just happened that this week was the week that we got it done and I think we’ll be able to keep it going, going forward.”

–As Clemson’s ACC Championship chances have been all but eliminated, the Tigers need to reevaluate their endgame for the 2023 season. Briningstool gave some insight into this new perspective, “We’re all in this together. The leadership on the offense and the whole team really, especially at a time like now, just needs to step up and get everybody on the same page. This is not what it’s supposed to look like.”

Clemson looks to get back on track Saturday when it visits NC State at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

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