Tag: Clemson vs. Wake Forest

Clemson looks underwhelming in a 17-12 win over Wake Forest

Clemson has a lot of work to do heading into their bye week after an underwhelming Week 6 Win over Wake Forest.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson football team won their Homecoming matchup 17-12 against Wake Forest in an uninspiring performance for Tigers fans. 

Most of the issues for this Clemson team came on the offensive side of the ball, where starting quarterback Cade Klubnik struggled to be effective against the Demon Deacons defense. The Tigers did little in the passing game, with Klubnik completing 18-28 passes for 131 yards. He did look solid using his feet, with 12 carries for 42 yards and their first touchdown of the game.

The Tigers’ run game was slow in the first half but picked things up in the second half when they put the game in star running back Will Shipley’s hands. Shipley sealed the win for the Tigers with a 1-yard touchdown run after going 19 carries for 97 yards against Wake Forest’s defense. 

Clemson’s defense came to play on Saturday, overcoming some bad situations to put together a strong performance. Outside of the Demon Deacons’ final drive of the game, it was a near-perfect performance for Wes Goodwin’s defense, who allowed 239 total yards. 

Clemson heads into their Week 7 bye at a much-needed time, as it is clear this team has a lot of work to do.

Halftime Report: Clemson leads Wake Forest 7-3 behind an excellent defensive performance

Clemson’s offense has struggled, but the defense has kept the Tigers in a solid position at the half.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson football team have not looked great at halftime of their homecoming game against Wake Forest. 

Leading the Demon Deacons 7-3, the Tigers’ offense has been subpar today. They have struggled to get much going outside of one scoring drive. 

It was a 16-play, 75-yard drive for Cade Klubnik and the Clemson offense, with Klubnik calling his own number, taking a QB option 7 yards for the score, and giving Clemson a 7-3 lead. The offense totaled just ___ yards in the first half.

Luckily for the offense, the Clemson defense came to play. Led by Wade Woodaz’s two sacks, this defense got themselves out of multiple tough situations they were thrust into. They allowed 55 passing yards and 65 rushing yards while keeping the Demon Deacons out of the end zone. 

Clemson will need to turn things around in the second half.

Clemson starters named game-time decisions for Week 6 against Wake Forest

Nate Wiggins and Antonio Williams are game-time decisions.

We are just an hour away from kickoff for Clemson vs. Wake Forest for the Tigers homecoming, and we have received an injury update on two starters ahead of the game. 

According to reports, cornerback Nate Wiggins and wide receiver Antonio Williams are game-time decisions. Wiggins has been dealing with a knee injury he suffered against Florida State, and Williams is dealing with an ankle injury that appeared during Clemson’s win over FAU. Reserve offensive lineman John Williams is also a game-time decision.

We will have to wait to see if either starter plays, and if not, they both will have next week’s bye to continue their recovery. 

Watch: Clemson Football drops an emotional Homecoming video

The Clemson Football program released a Homecoming video that will hit you in your feels.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Football program have a huge day ahead: Homecoming. 

A college football homecoming game is a cherished tradition, uniting current students and alumni to celebrate school pride and history. This annual event holds immense importance, serving as a nostalgic reunion for graduates and a vibrant display of campus spirit. Beyond the gridiron, it symbolizes the enduring connection between generations, fosters a sense of belonging, and often features parades, tailgates, and other festivities that strengthen the bond between the university and its community. Homecoming games resonate as a testament to the enduring legacy of an institution.

This is no different for Clemson, which has a profound history we have all grown to love or even be a part of. Take a look below at Clemson’s emotional Homecoming video.

Our staff score predictions for Clemson vs. Wake Forest

Our staff score predictions for Clemson’s home Week 6 matchup against Wake Forest.

Dabo Swinney and the Tigers handled business last Saturday as they defeated Syracuse 31-14 on the road in a tough environment. 

Clemson (3-2, 1-2 ACC) is back in Death Valley for a Week 6 matchup against Wake Forest (3-1, 0-1 ACC), who is looking to make a statement on the road against the Tigers and pick up their first ACC win of the season. If this matchup is anything like last season’s double-overtime finisher, we can expect a shootout on Saturday. 

The question is: will things be similar? It’s possible… but unlikely. 

As we do every week, the staff gathered and made score predictions for Saturday’s matchup matchup against Wake Forest. Here is a look at what we are thinking heading into Week 6 against the Demon Deacons.

Clemson’s Defensive X-Factor for Week 6 vs. Wake Forest

This freshman pass rusher has been excellent this season and needs another big performance on Saturday against the Demon Deacons.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson coaching staff did a superb job recruiting their 2023 class, with multiple freshmen being top-tier producers for the Tigers. 

One of those freshmen, T.J. Parker, is our Defensive X-Factor for the Tigers’ Week 6 matchup against Wake Forest. For the Clemson defense to put together a strong performance, Parker and the rest of the defensive line will have to create pressure for Wake Forest starting quarterback Mitch Griffis.

When it comes to getting to the quarterback, no one on this team is better than Parker. He has looked unreal on the edge this season with a motor that seems to never end. 

Through five games, Parker leads the Tigers in sacks (3) and tackles for loss (7.5). His TFL numbers rank tied for sixth most in the country this season. 

Parker will look to continue the strong start to his Clemson career Saturday.

Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson on last season’s Clemson loss: ‘When I’m on my deathbed, that game will still bother me’

Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson will have last year’s loss to Clemson hanging over his head for years.

Have you ever had something in your life that hangs over your head, no matter how long ago it was or how serious it was? 

I know I have, and we know that Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson has as well. While it has only been a year since the Demon Deacons’ 51-45 double overtime loss to Clemson at home last season, the game is one Clawson will never live down. It was the Tigers’ 14th straight win over Wake Forest. 

Clawson met with the media Tuesday to discuss their upcoming Week 6 matchup against Clemson. When asked about last year’s game, Clawson stated it is a game he will be taking to his deathbed. 

“It’s always part of my preparation for games. I always try to watch two whole copies of this year’s game, and I always go back and watch last year’s game if we played the opponent. I’d say to Dabo, if he’s in pain, then my pain should be worse because they won the game. We hit some big plays on them, but they hit some big plays on us. That was a very good day to be an outside receiver and a very bad day to be a cornerback in press coverage. Their quarterback, DJ (Uiagalelei), played great that day. But we had opportunities to win that game, and we didn’t take advantage of it. We were up eight, and then they tied it up, and then we had the ball with two minutes left. Even in overtime, we went up, and if we get one stop, we win the football game.”

“There are certain games in your career you never, ever get over. That’s one of them. When I’m on my deathbed, that game will still bother me. Hopefully, our players feel the same way.”

A win over Clemson could have been historic for Clawson and the Demon Deacons last season, but that didn’t workout for them. This season, they head to Death Valley with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. 

Last season’s loss was great motivation for Clawson’s team, but the win for Clemson is the same. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney hated what he saw on tape for the Tigers’ in their win last season, and that, too, is motivation in itself. 

Week 6 Clemson vs. Wake Forest is shaping up to be a great matchup.

Dabo Swinney on last season’s win over Wake Forest: ‘I almost want to burn the tape and never watch it again’

Dabo Swinney is not a fan of what he saw in last season’s win over Wake Forest.

Dabo Swinney and the Tigers took down Wake Forest 51-45 last season in a wild double-overtime game on the road. 

Swinney touched on his team’s performance against Wake Forest during his weekly radio show Monday night and was not happy with what he watched on tape. If it were up to Swinney, that tape may never see the light of day again.

“They’ll be confident… We stunk against them last year,” the head coach said. “Probably the worst defensive game I’ve been a part of in a long time. Thankfully, we are night and day from where we were in that game last year defensively. We’re really playing well. I almost want to burn the tape and never watch it again. We actually played really good offensively. It was maybe one of our top two offensive games.”

It definitely wasn’t a defensive battle against the Demon Deacons. The two teams combined for 96 points and a ridiculous 1006 yards. Even so, a win is a win, and Swinney has won 14 in a row against Wake Forest. 

Can he continue the run on Saturday? The Tigers have the talent but will need to play like it.

“They’re the same old Wake Forest,” Swinney said. “They’re the slow-ride mesh, and they’re gritty. They always got receivers, and they got good running backs, and they’re tough on the defensive side, they’re well-coached. They’re always well-positioned. They play a lot of what I call catch technique on the back end. They’ve got one D-end that’s really good. They’ve sacked the quarterback with pretty high numbers. So, it’s a good football team. They’re 3-1. They’re coming off their first loss. They’ve had an open date to get ready for us. So, another big challenge for us. But hey, we’re just trying to find a way to win another game and keep going from there and hopefully somehow get to 4-2 here in the open date, get healthy, and see if we can keep it rolling.”

While it is one of the ugliest offenses to watch, the slow mesh can be effective. It will be interesting to see how the Clemson defense fares this season against it. 

Clemson vs. Wake Forest game time announced

Clemson and Wake Forest’s Week 6 matchup has had its game time announced.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference and its television partners announced the following football game times and networks for Oct. 7.

Saturday, Oct. 7

  • Boston College at Army, Noon ET on CBS Sports Network – previously announced
  • William & Mary at Virginia, Noon ET on ACC Network
  • Marshall at NC State, 2 p.m. ET on The CW Network
  • Wake Forest at Clemson, 3:30 p.m. ET on ACC Network
  • Virginia Tech at Florida State, 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC or ESPN – network designation after the games of 9/30
  • Syracuse at North Carolina, 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC or ESPN – network designation after the games of 9/30
  • Notre Dame at Louisville, 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC
  • Georgia Tech at Miami, 8 p.m. ET on ACC Network

ACC Notes

  • Through the first four weeks of the season, the ACC has six teams at 4-0 overall – Duke, Florida State, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina and Syracuse – the most among any conference in all of FBS.
    • The six ACC teams to start the season at 4-0 tied the SEC in 2012 for the most teams in a Power 5 conference to start 4-0 in a single season in the AP Poll Era (since 1936).
  • ESPN announced on Saturday, Sept. 23, that College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will broadcast live for the first time from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina for Week 5.
    • The nationally ranked and undefeated Duke Blue Devils (4-0) will host Notre Dame (4-1) on Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. on ABC’s “Saturday Night Football”.
  • With two more games announced for ABC and another one for ESPN for Week 6, the ACC will have four games on ABC’s “Saturday Night Football,” as well as 22 appearances on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 over the first six weeks of the season.
    • In total to date, 15 ACC contests are scheduled for national ABC broadcasts, while the ACC Network will also feature 21 games.
    • Of the 15 full national ABC telecasts, 12 different league programs will be featured.
  • In Week 1 of the 2023 season, the ACC captivated the national audience, averaging 5.1 million viewers – more than double all other conferences in the highest average per game viewership for the week.
    • Overall, the ACC was part of three of the top seven most-watched games for Week 1.
    • Through Week 2, the ACC had three home broadcasts with 4M+ viewers – no other conference had more than one.
  • Tickets are on sale now for the 2023 ACC Football Championship Game at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 2023 ACC Football Championship Game will feature the top two teams based on the highest winning percentage in regular-season conference play.

Clemson’s offense believed, never flinched in ‘wild’ win over Wake Forest

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – No matter the situation Saturday, Clemson’s offense believed. Even when Wake Forest continued to inch ahead in the second half and even in the first overtime period, they never flinched. And that’s why even after another …

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — No matter the situation Saturday, Clemson’s offense believed.

Even when Wake Forest continued to inch ahead in the second half and even in the first overtime period, they never flinched. And that’s why even after another uncharacteristic showing from the defense, Clemson was able to walk out of Truist Field with a 51-45 win on Saturday.

They believed.

“I just talked to them in the locker room about believing and where that belief comes from is their work ethic and their character and their hearts,” offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter said postgame. “That’s really where it came from, and they all agreed, man. The work ethic that these guys had in the summer was unbelievable, everybody was trying to get extra work. It’s neat to be able to comment on that after a win like that because that’s where it shows.”

It showed in the play of D.J. Uiagalelei, who completed 26-of-41 passes for 371 yards and five touchdowns. Even after Clemson punted on consecutive drives to start the second half and Wake Forest took a 28-20 lead, the junior signal-caller never flinched.

Neither did Streeter in his first overtime as a play caller at Clemson.

“It was wild, but I think the key is to show poise as much as you can because you’re teaching that to your guys all the time. “Streeter said. “Talking to them all the time about being physical and nasty and getting after it and attacking, but showing poise is very, very critical. I feel like all the coaches and the players showed poise tonight.”

Behind the play of Uiagalelei, that poise carried over into overtime, as Clemson scored on consecutive drives to secure the win over the Demon Deacons. As the game carried over into a second overtime, Uiagellei was surprisingly “really calm,” according to sophomore receiver Beaux Collins.

That poise went a long way, culminating in a 21-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Davis Allen.

“Those kids kept hanging in there, kept battling, kept believing,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said following the win.

Clemson kept plugging away. 

Series after series, the offense kept moving the chains. The Tigers converted on 16-of-23 third downs, which was a program single-game record. Overall, the unit gained a total of 559 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per play.

Clemson wasn’t fazed by anything really, according to Collins. They just trusted each other, took care of the football and came out victorious.

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!