CLEMSON — The Tigers flipped the script when the lights shined bright.
On Saturday night, the annual ACC Championship welcomed back Clemson onto the stage, as the Tigers faced off against the newcomer SMU Mustangs. A different, more powerful and prepared energy radiated from the Clemson team as they entered the field to warm up during pregame, and they certainly followed through.
What led to the Tigers’ thrilling 34-31 win over SMU wasn’t simply overplaying their opponent but their capitalization on their opportunities. As simple as it sounds, that was something lacking big for Clemson just a week ago.
A loss to their ultimate rival in South Carolina was the last thing that Clemson would’ve wanted heading into this game, but life happens. And, truth be told, they had many chances to take the game back.
With a first-drive fumble from the Gamecocks, only five plays were made for 23 yards before punting the ball back. On their next drive, a turnover on downs. The Tigers had another opportunity in the third quarter to capitalize off another South Carolina fumble. The result was a fumble of their own.
That wasn’t all that was given to them. Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers threw an interception at the beginning of the fourth quarter, providing Clemson an incredible chance to take a 14-point lead. Instead, a three-and-out ensued. They wouldn’t score again, and South Carolina would earn a win, putting them farther into the national spotlight.
After such a disastrous effort, the complete turnaround that Clemson would have against the Mustangs could only be credited to an upgraded mentality, a revamped fierceness and a chase for an outcome completely different than the week before.
Instantly, on the third play of the game, SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings had the ball ripped from his grasp by Clemson defender TJ Parker, who fell on the ball and took the first possession away from the Mustangs.
Two plays later, a 35-yard touchdown pass to freshman Bryant Wesco Jr. You can’t capitalize on a mistake better than that.
The Mustangs tried to redeem themselves after the fumble but quickly punted after three plays. The Tigers kept up their momentum and scored another quick touchdown, going up two scores. SMU got their own touchdown after that, but Clemson didn’t stop.
The third touchdown of the first quarter for the Tigers came from a 43-yard pass to none other than the freshman, Wesco, for his second touchdown snag of the game. In less than 11 minutes, quarterback Cade Klubnik had three passing touchdowns and an 80% pass completion percentage as he built huge momentum for Clemson.
The Tigers continued to capitalize on opportunities given to them from empty SMU drives, increasing their score and earning their ACC Championship victory. It’s safe to say that the Tigers made up for the week before, and now, they find themselves in the College Football Playoffs.
A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
