Clemson Offense Grades Out in 27-16 Win Over Troy: Second-Half Surge Masks Early Struggles

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Clemson Offense Grades Out in 27-16 Win Over Troy: Second-Half Surge Masks Early Struggles

On September 6, 2025, the No. 8 Clemson Tigers overcame a sluggish start to defeat the Troy Trojans 27-16 at Memorial Stadium, bouncing back from a Week 1 loss to No. 3 LSU. The Tigers’ offense, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, running back Adam Randall, and wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr., showed resilience in a comeback fueled by a dominant second half.

This article grades Clemson’s offensive performance, highlights key storylines, and spotlights players who stood out, using exact stats from the game.Game Overview and StorylinesAfter a 17-10 loss to LSU, where Clemson’s offense managed just 261 total yards and 31 rushing yards, the Tigers faced pressure to rebound against a Troy team fresh off a 38-20 win over Nicholls State. Coach Dabo Swinney’s fiery pre-game challenge—“If (No.) 2 ain’t a dude, we ain’t winning. Dudes gotta be dudes”—set the tone for quarterback Cade Klubnik to lead. However, a one-hour-and-32-minute lightning delay in the first quarter disrupted Clemson’s rhythm, contributing to a 16-3 halftime deficit as Troy capitalized with a 44-yard touchdown pass, a 37-yard field goal, and a pick-six. The Tigers responded with 24 unanswered second-half points, driven by Klubnik’s passing and Randall’s ground game, while the defense limited Troy to 0.9 yards per carry after the break.

The win moved Clemson to 1-1, but the first-half struggles raised questions about consistency heading into ACC play.Offensive GradesOverall Offense: B-Clemson’s offense totaled 316 yards, including 196 passing and 120 rushing, scoring 27 points against a Sun Belt opponent. The second-half explosion (24 points) was promising, but early miscues, including a pick-six and dropped passes, kept the game closer than expected.

The offense overcame a 16-point deficit, but the reliance on passing and a slow-starting run game highlighted areas for improvement.

Quarterback: B+

Cade Klubnik delivered a strong bounce-back performance after his 19-of-38, 230-yard, 0-TD, 1-INT outing against LSU. Against Troy, he completed 18 of 24 passes (75.0%) for 196 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception, earning a 162.8 passer rating and a 90.5 PFF passer grade—the highest since his 93.1 against App State in 2024. Klubnik was 5-of-8 for 117 yards on passes of 10+ yards, including two 20+ yard touchdown passes to Wesco. His lone interception, a pick-six to TJ Thompson in the second quarter, contributed to Troy’s 16-0 lead, but his second-half efficiency (7-of-8 for 99 yards, 2 TDs) sparked the comeback. Backup Christopher Vizzina saw one snap, attempting no passes.

Running Backs: C

Adam Randall led the ground game with 21 carries for 112 yards (5.3 yards per carry) and a 1-yard touchdown, marking his first career 100-yard rushing game. His 30-yard run was Clemson’s longest, and his 165 all-purpose yards (112 rushing, 53 receiving on 4 catches) paced the team. However, the rushing attack struggled early, with Troy outgaining Clemson on the ground in the first half (Tae Meadows: 16 carries, 76 yards). The second half saw improvement, but the lack of depth and early inconsistency limited the unit’s impact.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: B

Bryant Wesco Jr. was the standout, catching 7 passes for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns (26 and 34 yards), both in the second half. His performance was critical in flipping the game, with his 26-yard score following a defensive interception and his 34-yard touchdown sealing the 27-16 lead. Other receivers, including T.J. Moore, were targeted but struggled with drops early, notably in the first half, which stalled drives. The group’s second-half execution was sharp, but early miscues tempered their grade.

Offensive Line: C

The offensive line, missing tackle Tristan Leigh, struggled to open holes early, allowing Troy to control possession (33:01). Pass protection held up for Klubnik’s 18-of-24 performance, but run-blocking issues persisted from the LSU game. The unit improved in the second half, supporting Randall’s 112 yards, but consistency remains a concern.Kicking: B+Nolan Hauser was reliable, hitting field goals from 25 and 30 yards and going 3-for-3 on extra points, providing crucial points to keep Clemson in the game at 16-3 and take the lead in the third quarter.Standout Players

1. Bryant Wesco Jr. (WR): Wesco’s 7 receptions for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns (26 and 34 yards) made him the offensive MVP. His second-half heroics, including a 26-yard score 58 seconds after Randall’s touchdown, swung momentum.
2. Cade Klubnik (QB): Klubnik’s 18-of-24, 196-yard, 2-TD, 1-INT performance (162.8 rating) showed resilience. His 5-of-8 deep throws (117 yards) and 7-of-8 second-half completions (99 yards, 2 TDs) were pivotal in the comeback.
3. Adam Randall (RB): Randall’s 112 rushing yards on 21 carries, 1 touchdown, and 165 all-purpose yards carried the ground game. His physicality in the second half was key, though early struggles limited the unit’s overall impact.

Key Storylines

• Second-Half Turnaround: Clemson’s 24 unanswered points, including 17 in the third quarter, overcame a 16-3 deficit. Klubnik’s passing and Randall’s rushing, paired with three defensive turnovers, shifted the game.
• First-Half Woes: A lightning delay, a pick-six, and dropped passes led to a 16-3 halftime deficit. Troy’s 33:01 time of possession exposed Clemson’s early offensive struggles.
• Klubnik’s Response: After a “bad day” against LSU, Klubnik’s 90.5 PFF grade and efficient second half answered Swinney’s call for “dudes” to step up, though his interception was costly.
• Run Game Concerns: Randall’s 112 yards were a bright spot, but the rushing attack’s slow start and lack of depth raise questions as Clemson faces stronger ACC defenses.

Looking Ahead