Clemson’s offense finds footing, demolishes App State

CLEMSON- After being criticized for their offense once again following a one-sided loss in Atlanta last week, the 25th-ranked Clemson Tigers flipped the script in their home opener against App State, using their potent passing attack to cruise past the Mountaineers 66-20 at Memorial Stadium.

The Tigers improved to 1-1 on the young season and will have a week off next week before hosting NC State on Sept. 21.

Offensive fireworks return to Death Valley

It’s been a while since Clemson fans have experienced the kind of explosion they saw on offense Saturday night, especially in the passing game. The Tigers were explosive. They attacked the middle of the field. And most importantly, they were consistent. Fans saw free football in Death Valley.

The Tigers had more than 700 yards of offense, 460 of which came through the air. It was exactly the kind of boost the team needed after last week. Clemson also rushed for 252 yards, 162 of which came in the first two quarters.

The question is whether the team will be able to run out on the field and do it again when it faces NC State in two weeks.

Career Night

Cade Klubnik had his best game as a college quarterback and one of the best in Clemson history. The junior played only in the first half, completing 24 of 26 passes for 378 yards. He also threw five touchdown passes and ran for two more for seven yards on the night. The 56 points he led the Tigers to in the first half were the most in any half in program history. It was quite a turnaround from a week ago, when this offense simply couldn’t go unnoticed.

Klubnik was exactly what most imagined he would be when he signed with Clemson as a 5-star talent in the 2022 class. He made all the right decisions, there were no lucky feet, his pocket presence was as good as it has been since he arrived on campus, and he didn’t commit a single turnover.

Phenomenal novices

After Bryant Wesco and TJ Moore played just 18 snaps in the loss to Georgia, both were standouts against App State, especially Wesco, who replaced Adam Randall in the starting lineup. The freshman had a team-high 130 yards receiving, catching a 76-yard bomb from Klubnik on the Tigers’ third offensive play of the game.

Moore also scored his first touchdown of his collegiate career, a 33-yarder in the second half. He finished with three catches for 44 yards.

After not recording a defensive snap last week, Sammy Brown saw plenty of time in this game, with the freshman having a team-high nine tackles.

Ricardo Jones intercepted the first pass of his Clemson career early in the fourth quarter, the second turnover the Tigers had forced to that point.

Elyjah Thurmon also stood out and more than held his own when the reserve offensive linemen came into play. It’s amazing what an impact Matt Luke can have on this offensive line.

Reserve quarterback

Most of the reports about Chris Vizzina coming out of fall camp were very positive, with many saying he had made quite a leap since his rookie season. Tonight, fans finally got to see it. After looking unimpressive in his first two spring games, Vizzina came on early in the third quarter and looked extremely solid in his first action of 2024.

The redshirt freshman was 6-of-9 for 76 yards with one rushing touchdown. Vizzina also showed really good balance and presence in the pocket. He also added 31 yards on the ground.

A limited number of signed footballs from the Clemson 2022 class are still available. Get yours while supplies last! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or buy online!