Phil Mafah – Syndication Server

Dabo Swinney shares an injury update on Clemson star running back Phil Mafah

Swinney gives an update on Mafah’s health.

Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney provided an update on the health of running back Phil Mafah ahead of Saturday’s College Football Playoff matchup against No. 5 Texas.

Swinney revealed that Mafah will require shoulder surgery after the season but confirmed the senior back will suit up when the 12th-seeded Tigers travel to Austin for the first-round game.

“We got what we got,” Swinney said. “Nobody is 100 percent. I doubt Texas has many guys over 100 percent, and we don’t either. Certainly, the rest for Mafah is not a bad thing, but he has to have postseason surgery regardless. He’s going to give us everything he’s got. I thought he looked better than the last game. He’s a guy we have to have play well for sure.”

Swinney also announced earlier that reserve running back Jay Haynes is out for the season after undergoing knee surgery on Monday.

With Mafah playing through injury, Clemson will turn to Keith Adams Jr., Jarvis Green, and David Eziomume to provide depth in the playoff matchup.

Phil Mafah on his shoulder injury, health going into the College Football Playoff

Mafah is ready for his opportunity in the College Football Playoff.

Phil Mafah’s college football journey just reached a long-awaited milestone as Clemson earned its first College Football Playoff berth since 2020.

The Tigers’ thrilling 34-31 win over SMU in the ACC Championship Game not only secured the title but also gave Mafah the chance to compete on the sport’s biggest stage—something he’s dreamed of since he was a kid.

In a wild finish, SMU tied the game with just 16 seconds remaining, seemingly sending it to overtime. However, Clemson had other ideas. Adam Randall’s explosive 41-yard kickoff return and Antonio Williams’ clutch 17-yard reception set up Nolan Hauser for a dramatic 56-yard field goal as time expired. The stadium erupted as the Tigers clinched their spot in the playoff.

For Mafah, the journey hasn’t been easy. Battling a nagging shoulder injury, he’s determined to fight through the pain for his team. “I’m going to get as healthy as I can to help my team,” Mafah said. With backup Jay Haynes also sidelined, Mafah knows his role is critical as Clemson prepares to face Texas in the next round.

“It feels amazing,” Mafah shared. “This is what we dreamed of since we were little kids.” Now, he’s ready to give everything he has to help lead the Tigers on their playoff run.

Clemson star running back ready for one more shot at South Carolina

Mafah wants to put on a show in his final home game.

This year, Saturday’s game between Clemson and South Carolina means a little bit more as the Tigers playoff hopes rely on the outcome of the matchup.

For senior running back Phil Mafah, it will be his last chance to face the Gamecocks in Death Valley. The running back reflected on the rivalry, saying the most important thing is to maintain a “championship mindset.” “All records are out the window. It’s a game of its own, it’s a championship game, championship mindset,” Mafah explained.

He also reflected on the highs and lows of this rivalry and particularly that which hurt – the loss this year, 2022. “The first thing I thought of was just the seniors,” said Mafah about the soul-crushing defeat of 31-30. “Not being able to send the seniors off with a great farewell, I felt for them and the Clemson fam in general.

This season, Mafah is determined to send off the 2023 seniors on a higher note. “I’m looking most forward to finishing my senior season here in the Valley,” Mafah said. He also spoke to the special nature of the Tiger Walk tradition: “You get to see all the fans, you get to feel them and it’s just a great environment that they create for us to get hyped up.”

With Clemson’s all-time record of 73-43-4 over South Carolina on the line, Mafah is determined to finish on a winning note and extend Clemson’s success in the rivalry.

Garrett Riley on Phil Mafah dominating Clemson’s running back touches

Mafah has been a workhorse.

Clemson star running back Phil Mafah has taken on a significant role as the Tigers’ offensive workhorse, drawing praise for his durability and resilience. Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley highlighted Mafah’s physical and mental toughness, calling him a “machine” and emphasizing his ability to consistently deliver when the team needs him most.

While Riley expressed confidence in Mafah, he acknowledged that backups Jay Haynes, Keith Adams Jr., and freshman David Eziomume have seen limited action recently. “It’s not a trust issue,” Riley said, explaining that game situations have dictated Mafah’s extended workload.

With The Citadel coming up this Saturday, Clemson plans to shift some carries to the reserves, giving Mafah some rest while integrating others into the rotation. Riley expressed particular enthusiasm about Eziomume, who is redshirting this season. “EZ is going to play,” Riley noted. “He’s physical, loves contact, and has gotten better as the season has gone on.”

The matchup offers an opportunity to not only lighten Mafah’s load but also provide valuable game experience for the depth chart.

Dabo Swinney comments on Clemson star running back Phil Mafah’s massive workload

Mafah is the focal point of Clemson’s offense.

Clemson football’s senior running back Phil Mafah has become the team’s central offensive force this season, handling a massive number of snaps.

Over the last two games against Virginia Tech and Louisville alone, Mafah logged 176 snaps, making him indispensable to Clemson’s strategy. Head coach Dabo Swinney acknowledged this, saying, “Mo Mafah, mo better,” and stressed that Mafah’s experience and resilience make him irreplaceable in critical situations. Swinney expressed confidence in his backup running backs but noted that Mafah’s unique talent justifies his heavy usage.

Mafah has not only started all nine games this season but also racked up 497 snaps by Saturday’s game against Pitt, leading Clemson’s backfield in rushing attempts. While other running backs like Jay Haynes, Keith Adams Jr., and David Eziomume have each contributed limited snaps, Swinney maintains that Mafah’s reliability is unparalleled, adding, “He’s a horse, man.”

Across Clemson’s nine games, Mafah’s performance has been exceptional, earning him ACC-leading statistics in several categories. Through disciplined, powerful running, he has averaged 109.0 yards per game, totaling 981 rushing yards this season, second in the ACC. In recent weeks, his load has only increased, with 118 carries over the last five games, a stretch that saw him exceed 100 yards four times. In Clemson’s last two games alone, he recorded 299 yards and two touchdowns.

Swinney has great respect for Mafah’s skills and intelligence on the field, praising his understanding of blocking schemes, defense reading, and his patience in setting up big plays. “Phil’s just steady, man,” Swinney said. With his experience and ability, Mafah’s role is crucial as Clemson nears season-end games, which could solidify their playoff position.

Kylon Griffin’s interception sets up a Phil Mafah touchdown as Clemson takes the lead

Clemson takes a 14-7 lead over Wake Forest.

Clemson football found itself down early against Wake Forest on Saturday, but the Tigers wasted no time in turning the tide with back-to-back scoring drives.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik hit Antonio Williams on a 22-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7 just into the second quarter. Clemson’s eight-play, 75-yard drive included a key third-down conversion on a 19-yard pass to Troy Stellato. The touchdown itself came on another third-down play, showcasing Klubnik’s poise under pressure.

On their next drive, Clemson surged ahead, 14-7, after Phil Mafah’s 1-yard touchdown run. An interception by Kylon Griffin gave the Tigers excellent field position at the Wake Forest 23-yard line, and Clemson capitalized with a quick two-play scoring drive.

Clemson is recovering from their poor start, which is something you need to see from Dabo Swinney’s team.

Clemson star running back Phil Mafah named a Campbell Trophy Semifinalist

Mafah is one of the best in the game.

The National Football Foundation announced today that Clemson running back Phil Mafah has been named a semifinalist for the 2024 William V. Campbell Trophy. Mafah earned a degree in management in May 2024 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in athletic leadership.

You can read additional information from the NFF in its full press release below:

IRVING, Texas (Sept. 25, 2024) – The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) proudly announced today a record number of 203 semifinalists for the 2024 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football’s premier scholar-athlete award. The new highwater mark eclipses the 201 nominees in 2023. The impressive list of candidates, from all NCAA divisions and the NAIA, boasts an impressive 3.63 average GPA, with more than half of the semifinalists having already earned their bachelor’s degrees.

Celebrating its 35th year, the Campbell Trophy® recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

2024 WILLIAM V. CAMPBELL TROPHY® SEMIFINALISTS NOTES
– 35th year of the William V. Campbell Trophy®
– 66th year of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments
– 203 Semifinalists
– 3.63 Average GPA
– 124 Nominees who have already earned their bachelor’s degrees
– 7 Nominees who have earned a master’s degree
– 3 Nominees with a perfect 4.0 GPA
– 48 Nominees with a 3.8 GPA or better
– 91 Nominees with a 3.7 GPA or better
– 26 Academic All-America selections
– 128 Captains
– 31 All-Americans
– 129 All-Conference picks

“These 203 semifinalists reflect not only exceptional academic and athletic talent but also the deep-rooted leadership that shows a commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives, which is learned on the gridiron,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (Campbell Trophy® winner) and Eli were named NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. “The Campbell Trophy® continues to represent the pinnacle of what it means to be a scholar-athlete, and this year’s candidates exemplify how football builds future leaders who will undoubtedly shape tomorrow’s world.”

The NFF will announce 12-14 finalists on Oct. 23, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2024 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for the 66th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 10, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. Live during the event, one member of the class will be declared as the winner of the 35th Campbell Trophy® and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000. Click here for more information on the Awards Dinner, including options to purchase tickets online, special travel rates to the event from Delta Air Lines and room rates at the Bellagio.

Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the awards must be a senior who will complete his final year of eligibility in the 2024 season or graduate student or graduate transfer who has already earned a degree and participating in the 2024 season; have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale; have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor; and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The class is selected each year by the NFF Awards Committee, which is comprised of a nationally recognized group of media, College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.

“We are incredibly proud of this year’s semifinalists, who embody the true spirit of the Campbell Trophy®,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of this prestigious award, their achievements remind us of the profound impact scholar-athletes have, not just on their teams, but on the communities they serve and the careers they pursue after football. The NFF Awards Committee will have an incredibly difficult task in selecting the finalists from this outstanding group of candidates.”

Launched in 1959, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments celebrate their 66th year in 2024. The awards were the first initiative in history to grant postgraduate scholarships based on both a player’s academic and athletic accomplishments, and the NFF has recognized 922 outstanding individuals since the program’s inception. This year’s postgraduate scholarships will push the program’s all-time distribution to more than $12.9 million.

The Campbell Trophy® was first awarded in 1990, adding to the program’s prestige. Past recipients include two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist, two Heisman Trophy winners and nine first-round NFL draft picks. Named in honor of the late Bill Campbell, the trophy has been prominently displayed inside its official home at the New York Athletic Club since 2013, and the winner is honored each year during a special luncheon at the storied venue.

Known as “The Coach of Silicon Valley,” Campbell became one of our country’s most influential business leaders, playing critical roles in the success of Apple, Google, Intuit and countless other high-tech companies. The captain of the 1961 Columbia Ivy League championship team, he found his true calling after an unlikely career change at age 39 from football coach to advertising executive. His ability to recruit, develop, and manage talented executives – all lessons learned on the gridiron – proved to be a critical component of his ability to inspire his business teams to the highest levels of success.

Later in life, Campbell was driven by a heartfelt desire to give back, and he quietly gave away tens of millions of dollars to multiple charities while also finding an hour and half each autumn weekday to coach an eighth-grade boys and girls flag-football team near his home in Palo Alto, California. Campbell passed away April 18, 2016, at the age of 75.

As part of its support of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards, Fidelity Investments helped launch the NFF Faculty Salutes, which recognize the contributions of the faculty athletics representatives at each of the institutions with a finalist for the Campbell Trophy®. Once the finalists are selected, the NFF will present each of their faculty athletics representatives with a plaque and Fidelity will donate $5,000 for the academic support services at each school. The salutes have recognized 184 FARs since the program’s inception, and Fidelity has made a total of $920,000 in donations.

2024 Campbell Trophy® Semifinalists by Division and Position
– 95 Nominees from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)
– 41 Nominees from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)
– 18 Nominees from NCAA Division II
– 44 Nominees from NCAA Division III
– 5 Nominees from the NAIA
– 110 Offensive Players
– 78 Defensive Players
– 15 Special Teams Players

2024 WILLIAM V. CAMPBELL TROPHY® SEMIFINALISTS

FOOTBALL BOWL SUBDIVISION
Alabama – Jalen Milroe
Appalachian State – Eli Wilson
Arizona – Josh Baker
Arizona State – Leif Fautanu
Arkansas – Hudson Clark
Arkansas State – Jacob Bayer
Auburn – Oscar Chapman
Boise State – Alexander Teubner
Bowling Green State – Demetrius Hardamon
Buffalo – Dom Polizzi
BYU – Connor Pay
California – Craig Woodson
Central Michigan – Dominic Serapiglia
Clemson – Phil Mafah
Colorado State – Tory Horton
Duke – Jordan Moore
Eastern Michigan – Jere Getzinger
Florida – Graham Mertz
Florida Atlantic – Federico Maranges
Florida State – Robert Scott Jr.
Fresno State – Mose Vavo
Georgia Southern – Kyle Frazier
Georgia State – Gavin Pringle
Georgia Tech – Henry Freer
Hawai’i – Logan Taylor
Illinois – Ryan Meed
Indiana – Cooper Jones
Iowa – Luke Lachey
Iowa State – Beau Freyler
Kansas – Jared Casey
Kansas State – Austin Moore
Kentucky – Alex Raynor
Liberty – Quinton Cooley
Louisiana Monroe – Sam Carson
Louisville – Ashton Gillotte
LSU – Josh Williams
Marshall – Logan Osburn
Maryland – Dante Trader Jr.
Memphis – Anthony Landphere
Michigan – Josh Priebe
Michigan State – Maverick Hansen
Middle Tennessee State – Devyn Curtis
Minnesota – Danny Striggow
Mississippi – Jaxson Dart
Mississippi State – Blake Shapen
Missouri – Brady Cook
Nebraska – Isaac Gifford
Nevada, Las Vegas – Jackson Woodard
New Mexico – Aaron Rodriguez
North Carolina – J.J. Jones
North Carolina State – Timothy McKay
North Texas – Jett Duncan
Northern Illinois – J.J. Lippe
Northwestern – Xander Mueller
Notre Dame – Jack Kiser
Ohio State – Seth McLaughlin
Oklahoma – Zach Schmit
Oklahoma State – Alan Bowman
Old Dominion – Jason Henderson
Oregon – Dillon Gabriel
Oregon State – Dylan Black
Penn State – Tyler Warren
Pittsburgh – Terrence Moore
Purdue – Gus Hartwig
Rice – Christian Francisco
Rutgers – Reggie Sutton
SMU – Jake Bailey
South Alabama – Jaden Voisin
South Carolina – Tonka Hemingway
Southern California – Jonah Monheim
Southern Mississippi – Chandler Pittman
Stanford – Tristan Sinclair
Syracuse – Derek McDonald
TCU – Jaise Oliver
Temple – Dante Wright
Tennessee – Keenan Pili
Texas – Jake Majors
Texas A&M – Randy Bond
Texas State – Nash Jones
Texas Tech – Tahj Brooks
Toledo – Maxen Hook
Tulane – Ethan Hudak
UCF – Ethan Barr
United States Air Force Academy – Matthew Dapore
United States Naval Academy – Riley Riethman
Utah – Karene Reid
Utah State – Broc Lane
UTSA (Texas at San Antonio) – Oscar Cardenas
Virginia – Brian Stevens
Virginia Tech – Cole Nelson
Wake Forest – Taylor Morin
Washington State – Dean Janikowski
West Virginia – Garrett Greene
Wisconsin – Hunter Wohler
Wyoming – Will Pelissier

FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION (FCS)
Austin Peay State – Chandler Kirton
Brown – Caleb Moorhead
Bucknell – Brad Jamison
Colgate – Nick Marsh
Columbia – Patrick Passalacqua
Cornell – Matthew Pilc
Dartmouth – Braden Mullen
Dayton – Dylan DeMaison
Delaware – Tyron Herring
East Tennessee State – William McRainey
Eastern Illinois – Elkhanan Tanelus
Eastern Washington – Efton Chism III
Elon – Caleb Curtain
Fordham – James Conway
Harvard – Dominic Young-Smith
Holy Cross – Jordan Fuller
Howard – Terrance Hollon
Illinois State – Hunter Zambrano
Jackson State – Matthew Noll
Lamar – Robert Coleman
Lehigh – Mike DeNucci
Marist – Gannon McCorkle
Monmouth – Jack Neri
Montana – Trevin Gradney
Montana State – Brody Grebe
New Hampshire – Ryan Toscano
Nicholls State – Collin Guggenheim
North Dakota – Jaden Norby
North Dakota State – Cam Miller
Pennsylvania – Julian Talley
Richmond – Wayne Galloway
South Dakota State – Mark Gronowski
Stony Brook – RJ Lamarre
Tennessee at Chattanooga – Reuben Lowery III
Tennessee Tech – Hayden Olsen
Texas A&M-Commerce – Jewelz-Unique Demps
Towson – Chris Watkins
Valparaiso – Sam Hafner
Western Carolina – Micah Nelson
William & Mary – Ryan McKenna
Yale – Bennie Anderson

DIVISION II
Ashland (OH) – Tony Pannunzio
Bentley (MA) – Joe Rivers
Black Hills State (SD) – Aaron Thiele
Carson-Newman (TN) – Major Williams
Colorado State Pueblo – Jon Nuschy
East Stroudsburg (PA) – John Siggins
Hillsdale (MI) – Logan VanEnkevort
Minnesota State, Mankato – Marshall Foerner
New Haven (CT) – Joseph Vitale
Northern State (SD) – Jacob Schloe
Northwest Missouri State – Andrew Dumas
Ouachita Baptist (AR) – Kendel Givens
Penn Western, California – Jaheim Bassham
Pittsburg State (KS) – Chad Dodson
Slippery Rock (PA) – Brayden Long
Southwest Baptist (MO) – Logan Turner
Wayne State (MI) – Griffin Milovanski
Wingate (NC) – Trevor Bryan

DIVISION III
Allegheny (PA) – Carson Messemer
Berry (GA) – Hayden Cagle
Bethel (MN) – Nate Farm
Bluffton (OH) – Kainan Stoner
Carnegie Mellon (PA) – Robert Coury
Central (IA) – Grant Nelson
Coe (IA) – Alex Aitchison
Cornell (IA) – Tony Gomez
DePauw (IN) – Jonathan Bruder
Gallaudet (DC) – John Scarboro
Gustavus Adolphus (MN) – Jake Breitbach
Hampden-Sydney (WI) – Will Thomas
Hardin-Simmons (TX) – Cason Hanna
Hendrix (AR) – Kanyn Utley
Hobart (NY) – Ethan Kowalski
Hope (MI) – Dylan Clem
John Carroll (OH) – Matt Wrather
Johns Hopkins (MD) – Bay Harvey
King’s (PA) – Jared Reto
Lake Forest (IL) – Sean Brady
Lycoming (PA) – Jake Welch
Lyon (AR) – Slayton Wheeler
Mary Hardin-Baylor (TX) – Johnny Smith-Rider
Millsaps (MS) – Preston Hill
Moravian (PA) – Prince Sokpo
North Central (IA) – Luke Lehnen
Saint John’s (MN) – Aaron Syverson
Springfield (MA) – Arsen Shtefan
St. Olaf (MN) – Theodore Doran
SUNY Cortland – Zac Boyes
Texas Lutheran – Mason Hardy
Trinity (CT) – Sean Clapp
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (NY) – Cameron Taylor
Washington & Jefferson (PA) – Dawson Dietz
Wesleyan (CT) – Sean Walker
Western New England (MA) – Jason Shumilla
Westminster (PA) – Matthew Howard
Wheaton (IL) – Giovanni Weeks
Wisconsin-Oshkosh – John Schirger
Wisconsin-River Falls – Aaron Borgerding
Wisconsin-Stout – Luke Mertens
Wisconsin-Whitewater – Matthew Burba
Wooster (OH) – Andrew Hammer
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA) – Doug Cain

NAIA
Carroll (MT) – Hunter Peck
Dakota State (SD) – Collin Brueggeman
Evangel (MO) – Nate Swofford
Indiana Wesleyan – Levi Tidwell
Texas Wesleyan – Jaysen Price

Historical List of Campbell Trophy® Winners
1990 – Chris Howard (Air Force)
1991 – Brad Culpepper (Florida)
1992 – Jim Hansen (Colorado)
1993 – Thomas Burns (Virginia)
1994 – Rob Zatechka (Nebraska)
1995 – Bobby Hoying (Ohio State)
1996 – Danny Wuerffel (Florida)
1997 – Peyton Manning (Tennessee)
1998 – Matt Stinchcomb (Georgia)
1999 – Chad Pennington (Marshall)
2000 – Kyle Vanden Bosch (Nebraska)
2001 – Joaquin Gonzalez (Miami [FL])
2002 – Brandon Roberts (Washington U. in St. Louis [MO])
2003 – Craig Krenzel (Ohio State)
2004 – Michael Munoz (Tennessee)
2005 – Rudy Niswanger (LSU)
2006 – Brian Leonard (Rutgers)
2007 – Dallas Griffin (Texas)
2008 – Alex Mack (California)
2009 – Tim Tebow (Florida)
2010 – Sam Acho (Texas)
2011 – Andrew Rodriguez (Army West Point)
2012 – Barrett Jones (Alabama)
2013 – John Urschel (Penn State)
2014 – David Helton (Duke)
2015 – Ty Darlington (Oklahoma)
2016 – Zach Terrell (Western Michigan)
2017 – Micah Kiser (Virginia)
2018 – Christian Wilkins (Clemson)
2019 – Justin Herbert (Oregon)
2020 – Brady White (Memphis)
2021 – Charlie Kolar (Iowa State)
2022 – Jack Campbell (Iowa)
2023 – Bo Nix (Oregon)

About The National College Football Awards Association
The William V. Campbell Trophy® is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 24 awards now boast over 900 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about the association.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION & COLLEGE HALL OF FAME
Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl “Red” Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship, and athletic achievement in young people. With 120 chapters in 47 states, NFF programs include the criteria, selection and induction of members of the College Football Hall of Fame; the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta; Future For Football; I Played; the William V. Campbell Trophy®; the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments; the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation & Hatchell Cup presented by the Original Bob’s Steak & Chop House; and a series of programs and initiatives to honor the legends of the past and inspire the leaders of the future. NFF corporate partners include Bruin Capital, Catapult, Delta Air Lines, Fidelity Investments, Hampshire Companies, Hanold Associates Executive Search, Jostens, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, New York Athletic Club, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation and the Sports Business Journal.

– via press release

Best photos from Clemson football’s blowout win over NC State

We take a look at some of the best photos from the Tigers’ 59-35 win over rival NC State on Saturday.

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.

Clemson’s Phil Mafah returns from scary injury, breaks a off 38-yard touchdown run

Mafah returns from injury and explodes.

Clemson star running back Phil Mafah had a scary shoulder injury in the first quarter, but returned to the game and showed everyone why he’s one of the best running backs in college football.

The Tigers’ defense provided another huge turnover, with Aveion Terrell stripping the ball from NC State star wide receiver Kevin Concepcion. Terrell recovered the fumble, and gave the Tigers offense an excellent opportunity.

Mafah took advantage of the opportunity, retruningto the game and breaking off a 38-yard touchdown run. The huge run gave the Tigers a 28-0 lead, while allowing fans a sigh of relief seeing Mafah back on the field and doing what he does best.

https://twitter.com/InHarmsWay19/status/1837533632702947397

Clemson’s Offensive Players of the Game for win over App State

A look at the Offensive Players of the Game for Clemson following Saturday’s 66-20 victory over App State.

If you missed a moment of the action when the Clemson Tigers had the ball against Appalachian State in the first half of their 66-20 romp on Saturday night in Death Valley, well, you shouldn’t have many troubles finding the big plays on various college football highlight reels.

Klubnik’s Big Night

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik had a career night, finishing the first quarter 11 of 11 for 233 yards and three touchdown tosses as the Tigers (1-1) built a 35-0 lead en route to the victory.

All told, Klubnik combined for seven touchdowns — five through the air and two more on the ground. All of them came in the first half as Clemson carried a 56-13 lead into intermission. He finished 24 of 26 on the night with 378 yards — far and away career-highs for the junior beginning his second full season as the Tigers’ quarterback.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Klubnik became the first player in 25 years at the FBS level to finish with five passing touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns and a 90 completion rate.

Coming Out Party for Wesco?

Maybe it was more of a warm-up dance than a full-on party, but true freshman receiver Bryant Wesco had his own smash debut in front of the home crowd, catching three passes for 130 yards (all in the first quarter).

Wesco hauled in a perfectly thrown 76-yard strike from Klubnik less than two minutes into the game for what Tigers fans can only hope is the first of many touchdowns for the five-star recruit out of Midlothian, Texas.

Wesco had one catch in the Week 1 loss to Georgia and was only on the field for 12 snaps. The fact that he was not only announced as a starter for Week 2 but was featured so prominently early on was in and of itself a welcome sight.

The same holds true for fellow freshman receiver TJ Moore, who had a 33-yard touchdown reception and two more catches for another 11 yards.

Don’t Forget about Mafah

Somewhat lost in the spotlight of Klubnik’s big night and Wesco’s performance was senior running back Phil Mafah, who finished the game with 10 carries for 118 yards after reeling off an 83-yard touchdown run from scrimmage for Clemson’s third touchdown of the night.

While his other runs were less celebrated (his longest carry aside from the touchdown run was still for eight yard), there’s going to be a time this season when Mafah and the ground game as a whole will have to put away a game or win one outright for the Tigers in crunch time.

Briningstool Is A Weapon

I admit to being biased here, but tight end Jake Briningstool is one of my favorite players. There’s a quiet leadership about him, and his performance Saturday night (a team-high seven catches, 100 yards, two touchdowns) marked his second career 100-yard receiving game.

Up Next

Clemson has a bye next week before hosting NC State on Sept. 21. Kickoff time and broadcast information have not yet been announced.

Follow us @Clemson_Wire on X and on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news, notes and opinions.