Clemson football made a statement on Saturday, dominating NC State in a 59-35 win at Death Valley. After last year’s tough loss in Raleigh, the Tigers jumped out to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, leading 59-14 by the end of the third. Although NC State added some late points against Clemson’s backups, the outcome was never in doubt.
Sophomore defensive end T.J. Parker was a standout, recording two sacks and forcing his first career fumble. Reflecting on the game, Parker shared, “They were talking trash and stuff like that. Nothing’s better than whooping up on them all game and hearing the trash talk slowly fade away.”
The defense was key in setting the tone early, with two first-quarter fumbles and a 53-yard interception return for a touchdown by freshman cornerback Ashton Hampton. “That’s how you know you got ’em,” Parker said of silencing NC State’s smack talk throughout the game.
Clemson got their revenge on Saturday.