Clemson Rallies Behind Cade Klubnik’s Career Day to Roll Past Charleston Southern
Clemson, SC – In a game that started off rocky for the 25th-ranked Clemson Tigers, Cade Klubnik’s career day and a second-half surge propelled them to a convincing 66-17 victory over Charleston Southern on Saturday. Klubnik, the sophomore quarterback, threw for a career-high 315 yards and four touchdowns to help Clemson rally from a mistake-filled first half.
The Tigers entered the matchup looking to bounce back from a disappointing 28-7 loss to No. 21 Duke in their season opener. However, they struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages of the game against Charleston Southern. Klubnik’s fumble deep in Clemson territory led to the Buccaneers’ first touchdown, and a subsequent interception return for a touchdown gave Charleston Southern a surprising 14-7 lead.
But Clemson didn’t let the first-half woes deter them. After halftime, they came out firing on all cylinders, scoring four touchdowns in the third quarter alone. Klubnik led the charge, connecting with Antonio Williams for two touchdown grabs and finding Phil Mafah for two short rushing touchdowns.
Wide receiver Beaux Collins also had a standout performance for the Tigers, totaling seven catches for 137 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown reception that showcased his speed and ability to evade defenders.
Although the first half was filled with mistakes and miscues, the Tigers dominated statistically, outgaining Charleston Southern by a wide margin. By the end of the game, Clemson amassed a staggering 679 total yards compared to Charleston Southern’s 73 yards.
For the Buccaneers, it was a disappointing outcome as they couldn’t capitalize on the early lead they had established. They remain winless against Football Bowl Subdivision opponents, with a program history of 0-24.
The victory comes as a relief for Clemson coach Dabo Swinney and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, who had faced criticism for the team’s lackluster performance in the season opener. With one more game against Florida Atlantic before a highly anticipated matchup with No. 4 Florida State, the Tigers will look to build on their second-half momentum and find offensive rhythm.
As for the polls, it remains to be seen whether the Tigers’ convincing win will be enough to sway voters and maintain their poll streak, which has lasted for 21 weeks. The rankings will be released on Sunday.
Next up, Charleston Southern will return home to face William & Mary on September 16, while Clemson continues their three-game homestand against Florida Atlantic on the same day.
In conclusion, Clemson’s victory over Charleston Southern was a story of redemption and resilience. Despite a shaky start, the Tigers rallied behind Cade Klubnik’s stellar performance to secure a dominant win. As they look to refine their game and make strides on the offensive end, the Tigers aim to continue their success in the remaining games of the season.
