Clemson football’s offense turned a sluggish first half into a dominant second half, leading to a 24-14 win over Virginia Tech. Trailing 7-0 at halftime, the Tigers rallied in the second half with quarterback Cade Klubnik throwing three touchdown passes.
Klubnik’s 29-yard pass to Cole Turner tied the game, and a 41-yard touchdown to T.J. Moore gave Clemson the lead. “We just had to find a way to fight through,” Klubnik said of the team’s resilience.
Despite early struggles, Klubnik was able to find a rhythm, completing 15 of 27 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns. “I was just doing my part. This game, it’s about the team. We needed this,” he explained, reflecting on the win and his role in the turnaround. The second half saw him build better connections with his receivers, including Turner and Moore, who both contributed key touchdowns.
Clemson’s offense was also boosted by an offensive line that held up under pressure, giving Klubnik the protection needed to execute the game plan. The line’s performance allowed Klubnik to make critical throws, including a well-timed pass to Moore on a third-and-long, which resulted in a touchdown despite a blitz. “I just had to stay composed,” Klubnik said about the play, underscoring his ability to adapt under pressure.
The Tigers’ defense also played a crucial role, with freshman linebacker Sammy Brown making an immediate impact. Brown’s eight tackles, including a sack and two tackles for loss, helped shut down Virginia Tech’s rushing attack, limiting the Hokies to just 40 yards on the ground. “We knew we had to stop the run,” Brown said. The defense’s performance allowed the offense to take control and secure the win.
With the 24-14 victory, Clemson improves to 7-2 overall and 6-1 in the ACC, keeping their conference championship hopes alive. Klubnik, despite showing signs of exhaustion, expressed pride in the team’s effort. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said. The Tigers will now look to build on this momentum as they head into their next game.