Halftime Observations: Tigers Putting Beat Down on NC State
By: Jason Priester September 21, 2024

CLEMSON – The No. 21 Tigers have taken a 45-7 lead into halftime over NC State. It has been a dominating effort over the first two quarters of play.

The Clemson offense picked right up where they left off against App State, with the Tigers scoring touchdowns on each of their first four possessions.

First Half Observations

  • Cade Klubnik looks like a different quarterback over the past two games. The junior is in complete command of the offense and making all the right reads. His poise and pocket presence are night and day compared to where he was a season ago. And his accuracy on the deep balls can not be understated. He finished the half 14-of-21 for 180 yards with two touchdowns. Klubnik has completed passes to eight different pass catchers.
  • Klubnik scoring on a 55-yard touchdown run on the game’s fourth play from scrimmage and the straight-line speed was on full display. He rushed for 64 yards on two carries.
  • It took the Tigers just six offensive plays to hit the century mark in rushing yards. By the time the first quarter ended Clemson had almost 150 yards on the ground, 222 total yards and a commanding 28-0 lead.
  • Clemson is almost running the ball at will behind an offensive line that is winning the battle at the line of scrimmage. Phil Mafah had 96 yards, averaging 16 yards per carry as the offense ran for 223 yards.
  • The Tigers had three first half sacks after recording just two total over the first two games. Two came from TJ parker, with the other coming from Barrett Carter.
  • Mafah left with an unknown injury in the first half but would end returning to the field.
  • The Tigers’ pass defense has given up some yards in the first half with freshman CJ Bailey hitting on 11-of-13 for 135 yards and a touchdown. Clemson has been burned on pass plays out in the flat. The ‘Pack only have 38 rushing yards and are averaging just 2.1 yards per attempt.

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