Clemson Dominates Wake Forest: 49-14 Victory
On October 12, 2024, the No . 10 Clemson Tigers delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 49-14 . This victory marks Clemson’s fifth consecutive win, showcasing their dominance in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) .
Game Breakdown
First Quarter:
- Clemson started slow in first quarter action , turning interceptions into touchdowns .
- Wake Forest managed to score a touchdown, but Clemson’s defense held firm .
Second Quarter:
- Clemson continued to capitalize on Wake Forest’s mistakes, extending their lead to 28 points .
- Wake Forest struggled to keep up, ending the half with a 28-7 deficit .
Third Quarter:
- Clemson added another touchdown, with Cade Klubnik throwing a 28-yard pass to Jake Briningstool .
- Wake Forest failed to score, and Clemson’s lead grew to 42-7 .
Fourth Quarter:
- Clemson’s defense maintained pressure, preventing Wake Forest from making a comeback .
- Phil Mafah added two short touchdown runs, sealing the game at 49-14 .
Player Statistics
Clemson:
- Cade Klubnik: 31/41 passing for 309 yards, 3 touchdowns .
- Phil Mafah: 20 carries for 118 yards, 2 touchdowns .
- Antonio Williams: 28-yard pass to Jake Briningstool for a touchdown .
Wake Forest:
- Hank Bachmeier: 126 passing yards, 2 interceptions, 2 touchdowns .
- Demond Claiborne: 20 carries for 136 yards, 2 touchdowns .
Why Clemson Won
Clemson’s victory can be attributed to their strong offensive performance and effective defense. Klubnik’s precision passing and Mafah’s rushing ability kept the Wake Forest defense on their heels . Additionally, Clemson’s ability to convert turnovers into touchdowns was crucial in building their lead .
Why Wake Forest Lost
Wake Forest struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses . Bachmeier’s interceptions and the inability to contain Clemson’s offense led to their downfall . Despite Claiborne’s impressive rushing performance, it wasn’t enough to overcome Clemson’s dominance.
Clemson’s Rise
With this victory, Clemson has now won five straight games, improving their record to 5-1 overall and 4-0 in the ACC . This consistent performance has solidified their position as a top contender in the conference.
Quotes from Coaches and Players
Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney: “I’m proud of our team’s effort today. We played with great energy and executed our game plan perfectly. This win is a testament to their hard work and dedication.”
Wake Forest Head Coach Dave Clawson: “We knew Clemson was a strong team, but we didn’t play our best today. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
This game was a clear demonstration of Clemson’s strength and Wake Forest’s areas for improvement. As Clemson continues their winning streak, they will look to maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the playoffs.
