Tag: Toriano Pride Jr

Gallery: Clemson vs. Wake Forest

The No. 5 ranked Clemson Tigers came away with a double-overtime victory over No. 21 Wake Forest, and the photos do the game justice.

Clemson came away with a thrilling double-overtime victory over Wake Forest on Saturday, and the photos do the game justice.

Although the No. 5-ranked Tigers struggled on the defensive side of the ball, Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and the offense were able to weather the storm and defeat the No. 21-ranked Demon Deacons.

Uiagalelei finished the game with 371 passing yards and five touchdowns, including the game-winning score to tight end Davis Allen.

Meanwhile, the Tigers’ defense struggled to contain the Demon Deacons’ offense, as it gave up 337 passing yards and had numerous penalties that allowed Wake Forest to sustain drives.

Still, Clemson was able to rally and come away with the win, which marks the 14th consecutive game that the Tigers have defeated Wake Forest, dating back to 2009.

Here are the best photos from Clemson’s victory on Saturday.

Clemson drops and falls outside top 10 in ESPN’s college football rankings

Based on ESPN’s most recent college football rankings, Clemson will have to prove it belongs in the CFP discussion next season.

After missing the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2015, Clemson will have to re-earn a top 10 spot in rankings next season.

Led by one of the nation’s stingiest defenses, the Tigers finished the 2021 season with a 10-3 record, but compared to their previous appearances in the CFP, it was considered a down year by many.

With the drop in performance, ESPN doesn’t have the same level of optimism for next season as in years past, as it has Clemson at No. 12 in the country in the way-too-early top 25. In the top 11 and above Clemson, some notable teams are North Carolina State, USC, Oklahoma State, Utah and Michigan State.

Here’s what ESPN’s Mark Schlabach had to say about the Tigers dropping from their previous ranking at No. 11.

Previous ranking: 11
2021 record: 10-3 (6-2 ACC)
Returning starters: 10 offense, 6 defense, 1 special teams
Key departures: LB Baylon Spector, LB James Skalski, CB Andrew Booth Jr., FS Nolan Turner, CB Mario Goodrich, WR Justyn Ross
Key additions: QB Cade Klubnik, CB Jeadyn Lukus, WR Antonio Williams, OT Collin Sadler, WR Adam Randall, CB Toriano Pride, CB Sherrod Covil Jr.
Spring update: Clemson has two new coordinators — Brandon Streeter on offense and Wes Goodwin on defense — and coach Dabo Swinney hopes the Tigers return to their old ways after slipping with three losses in 2021. Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei shed about 25 pounds in the offseason after struggling in his first season as the full-time starter. Uiagalelei left spring practice atop the depth chart, but he might continue to be pushed by Klubnik, an early enrollee, who looked good over 15 practices. Clemson’s defensive line had its way in the spring game against a thin offensive line. Randall, who was expected to help the wide receiver corps, might miss the season after suffering a torn ACL in his knee during the spring.

Clemson has a manageable regular season schedule in 2022, so if the Tigers can win at least 11 games in that stretch, they should return to a high position in the rankings.

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Four Clemson freshmen who could make an immediate impact in 2022

Clemson’s 2022 class is filled with highly-touted recruits, but four specific players are drawing attention as immediate contributors.

Clemson is no stranger to freshmen making a day-one impact on the field. Between quarterback Trevor Lawrence and wide receiver Justyn Ross, the Tigers have been blessed with talented and productive first-year players in years past.

Ranked as No. 10 in the country by 247Sports Composite, Clemson’s 2022 recruiting class has two five-star commits and eight four-star commits among 20 total players in the class. Nine of the 20 enrolled early in the spring, giving coaches and fans an early glimpse of the team’s newcomers.

Clemson’s spring game and the spring practices don’t compare to an entire college football season. Still, with high school film, coaches’ comments and the available college film, there is sufficient evidence to predict which freshmen are immediate impact players.

Although he doesn’t make this list, four-star wide receiver Adam Randall is a name to keep an eye on as October and November approach. Randall received great praise from the coaching staff in the spring before suffering a torn ACL in practice. If recovery goes well and he can return to the field in 2022, Randall could help fill the void left behind Ross’ departure to the NFL.

With Randall coming off a significant injury, here are four other Clemson freshmen who matter the most, according to Chris Hummer of 247Sports.