CLEMSON – Although thunderstorms in the area passed hours earlier, lightning or a similar entity shocked No. 8 Clemson’s offense back to life at Memorial Stadium Saturday.

The first half of the Tigers’ 27-16 come-from-behind win over the Trojans showcased the same blundering offense that fell to LSU last week– an offense that failed to generate first downs, catches, or rushing yards.

In the first two quarters, the Trojans forced Clemson (1-1) to punt four times, caused two turnovers, and only allowed one score, a 25-yard field goal following a failure to capitalize on a turnover.

The Tigers generated only 114 total yards to Troy’s 204, and quarterback Cade Klubnik amassed 97-passing yards, compared to an average of 130-per-half last season.

As the Tigers left their purple-and-orange drenched locker room after halftime, however, it appeared that they left any apathy or sloppiness in the past. As soon as Clemson’s offense spotted the ball in the second half, it was clear that a new team was on the field.

Sure, Klubnik was still the quarterback, Adam Randall the running back, and the receiver core remained the same, but something seemed different. Following six quarters of chaotic offensive football in 2025, it “clicked,” for the Tigers.

To start the third quarter, senior running back (and former wide receiver) Randall single-handedly marched his team down the field deep into Trojans territory for 59 yards on five carries, finishing with Clemson’s first touchdown in four quarters.

Randall’s outburst brought life into Death Valley for the first time in hours, and two plays later, the Tigers’ defense generated a turnover that handed Klubnik and his offense premium field position.

Then, it was time for Klubnik to shed his struggles, and resume his place as a veteran leader for the Tigers. The senior capitalized on the turnover, immediately finding wide receiver Bryant Wesco for a 26-yard touchdown pass. One quarter later, the signal-caller found Wesco again for a 34-yard touchdown reception to seal the victory.

Memorial Stadium let out collective sighs of relief and shrieks of joy as fears of losing to Troy, a G5 school, were assuaged. This Clemson offense reminisced the squad that paved a way to the College Football Playoff one season ago.

Klubnik finished with 196 passing yards and two touchdowns with one first-half interception, while Randall added 112 rushing yards. Wesco finished with 118 receiving yards and two touchdowns, leading all Tigers in both categories.

Though Clemson’s offense looked to be “back” in the final two quarters against Troy, it still has much to prove next week against ACC opponent Georgia Tech.