Clemson Football Sets Program Record With Explosive Start Against App State

After a tough opening week loss, everyone wondered how Clemson would respond to its home opener against Appalachian State, a team that has defeated many of the most decorated teams in college football in the past.

Given how poor the offense was throughout the game against Georgia, there were serious doubts the Tigers would be able to put in a better performance.

Well, Clemson and their much-criticized quarterback Cade Klubnik came to play.

As soon as the ball was kicked, the Tigers were ready to put their disappointing early performance behind them and send a clear message.

They needed just three plays to put the game away after Klubnik connected with highly rated rookie wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. for a 76-yard touchdown.

It was just a sign of what was to come.

Clemson set a program record for first-quarter points with 35.

The Tigers got back into the end zone on Clubnik’s 2-yard run on the ensuing drive.

The defense then did its job again, forcing a three-and-out to give the offense the ball, which led to a three-play drive in which Phil Mafah passed the ball and ran 83 yards to the house.

Not to be outdone, center fielder Jake Briningstool pulled off a circus-style juggling act that saw him sprint 41 yards down the sideline and score a touchdown after intercepting the ball.

Then, just before the end of the first quarter, a record-breaking moment came when Klubnik connected with wide receiver Antonio Williams for a 29-yard touchdown pass.

Clemson needs to be feeling good about this game, having scored a ton of points on offense before halftime and looking to show what they are made of after being bashed by the national media all week.