The Clemson Tigers dominated the NC State Wolfpack in the ACC opener for both teams Saturday with a 59-35 statement win.
Clemson’s offense came out firing for the second straight game, getting out to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter and taking a 45-7 advantage into halftime. The Tigers would lead by as many as 45 points (52-7) until NC State put together three fourth-quarter touchdown drives with the game already well out of reach and Clemson on its way to an impressive victory.
The Tigers finished the day with 523 total yards and featured a balanced attack that included 269 rushing yards. Senior tailback Phil Mafah had 107 yards on seven carries, including his 38-yard touchdown run in the closing minutes of the first quarter.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik was hitting on all cylinders and finished the day 16-of-24 for 209 yards and three touchdown passes. He also rushed for a 55-yard touchdown on a read-option play for the game’s first score just over a minute in.
After the win, Clemson (2-1) climbed four spots to No. 15 in the new US LBM Coaches Poll, released Sunday.
Here are some of the best photos from the Tigers’ dominant victory in the Textile Bowl rivalry against NC State in Death Valley.