By : Sabri Haidar
(Photo/Sabri Haidar-The Mojo Network)
Clemson put on a masterclass in football execution, crushing Wake Forest 49-14 in a lopsided affair Saturday afternoon in Winston-Salem. After showing some offensive inconsistencies in their red-zone performance the previous week against Florida State, the Tigers made sure to silence any doubts. The offensive efficiency and defensive dominance Clemson displayed were nothing short of impressive, as they racked up 566 total yards compared to just 233 for the Demon Deacons.
The Tigers (5-1, 3-0 ACC) established their dominance early, both on the ground and in the air, with 223 rushing yards and 343 passing yards. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who has shown significant growth from last season, threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns on 31-of-41 passing. The defense also held its own, allowing only 87 rushing yards and forcing two interceptions. This performance marked the fifth consecutive game where the Tigers won convincingly, maintaining their strong start to the season.
Klubnik Shines in Redemption Game
Cade Klubnik entered this matchup with something to prove. Last season, the young quarterback had struggled against Wake Forest, barely managing 131 yards through the air with no touchdowns in a much closer 17-12 victory. This time, Klubnik took full advantage of the Demon Deacons’ vulnerable zone defense, carving them up with precision passes and efficient decision-making. His three touchdown passes were a stark contrast to his performance from a year ago, and his growth as a leader of the offense was on full display.
After a slow start in the first quarter, where Clemson trailed 7-0, Klubnik orchestrated a dominant second quarter, leading the Tigers to 28 points and complete control of the game. Antonio Williams, Troy Stellato, and Jake Briningstool were all key targets, with each receiver grabbing at least six catches, allowing Clemson to pick apart Wake Forest’s defense. Klubnik’s ability to spread the ball around was a major factor in Clemson’s success, as the Tigers moved the ball at will throughout the game.
Key Defensive Plays Fuel Tigers’ Momentum
While the offense was flying high, Clemson’s defense made sure to keep Wake Forest in check. Two critical interceptions—one by Kylon Griffin and another by Khalil Barnes—played pivotal roles in halting any potential momentum for the Demon Deacons. Griffin's interception led to a quick Clemson touchdown, with Phil Mafah powering into the end zone after a 22-yard pass from Klubnik to Briningstool set the stage. Barnes’ pick ended another Wake Forest drive in Clemson territory, once again flipping the script in favor of the Tigers.
Wake Forest managed to score in the second quarter, trimming the lead to 21-14 after a well-executed 75-yard touchdown drive. However, that would be the last time they found the end zone. Clemson’s defense tightened up in the second half, shutting down any offensive progress from the Demon Deacons and forcing them to punt on multiple occasions.
Historic Performance from Antonio Williams
Antonio Williams had himself a game to remember, becoming the first Clemson player since C.J. Spiller in 2009 to both catch and throw a touchdown in the same game. Williams hauled in six catches for 69 yards and a touchdown, while also delivering a perfectly thrown ball to Jake Briningstool for another score. His versatility and playmaking ability added another dimension to Clemson’s already potent offense, making him one of the standout performers in this rout.
Williams, along with Mafah’s 118 rushing yards and two touchdowns, proved to be too much for Wake Forest’s defense, which had no answers for Clemson’s relentless attack. The Tigers executed flawlessly in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on all five of their trips inside the 20, ensuring that this game never got out of hand like their previous matchup against the Demon Deacons.
Looking Ahead for Clemson
With their 16th consecutive win over Wake Forest, Clemson continues to solidify itself as a top team in the ACC. The victory also marks a complete departure from the nail-biting, double-overtime thriller these two teams played in 2022. This time, the Tigers left no doubt as to who was the superior team, using a combination of explosive offense and stifling defense to dismantle Wake Forest.
Head coach Dabo Swinney and his squad will look to build on this dominant performance as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead in the ACC. If Klubnik and the Tigers can maintain this level of play, they have a legitimate shot at competing for another conference title. For now, Clemson’s fast thrash has proven to be too much for their opponents, leaving the Demon Deacons and others in their wake.