Clemson, S.C. – As college football analysts debated whether Clemson could score 40 or more points for the sixth consecutive week, the Tigers proved their critics wrong. Averaging over 40 points and 500 yards per game for the past two seasons, Clemson (6-1, 5-0 ACC) showcased their offensive prowess against Virginia (4-3, 2-2), outgaining the Cavaliers 539-346.
After a slow start, Clemson’s offense, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, exploded in the third quarter, scoring 21 points. The defense was equally impressive, racking up four sacks and forcing a turnover, making it a tough day for Virginia’s head coach Tony Elliott, who was returning to Death Valley.
The Tigers have been on a strong run, exhibiting disciplined and efficient play. They entered Saturday’s game as one of the least penalized teams, averaging only 4.67 penalties per game. However, against Virginia, they committed 10 penalties, including four in the first quarter. One of these penalties negated a touchdown during Clemson’s opening drive, while others aided Virginia’s scoring opportunities.
Virginia took an early lead with a 34-yard touchdown pass from sophomore Anthony Colandrea to tight end Dakota Twitty, making it 10-3. However, Clemson rallied to take a 17-10 lead into halftime.
The second half began with an 11-play, 90-yard drive culminating in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Klubnik to Olsen Patt-Henry. The Tigers dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Cavaliers 21-0, with Antonio Williams contributing a rushing touchdown and Patt-Henry scoring again on a pivotal fourth-and-1 play. By the end of the quarter, Clemson led 38-10.
Williams had an outstanding game, showcasing his versatility with a 34-yard pass to Troy Stellato and a 36-yard rushing touchdown. He became the first non-quarterback in Clemson history to record a pass completion in consecutive games since 2002, finishing the day with two completions for 62 yards and a touchdown.
As the fourth quarter began, Virginia struck back with a touchdown and a two-point conversion, cutting the lead to 41-25, aided by an impressive onside kick attempt. Despite Virginia’s late efforts, including a touchdown pass from Klubnik, Clemson sealed the victory with a final score of 48-31.
Klubnik threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, solidifying his position as one of the top passers in the nation with 20 touchdown passes this season.
After the game, Coach Tony Elliott acknowledged the challenge of the matchup, stating, “My job is to stay focused and help this football team execute at a high level.”
Next, Virginia will return home to face North Carolina, while Clemson enjoys a much-needed bye week before their final stretch against Louisville.
In answer to the initial question: Yes, Clemson can score 40 or more points for the sixth consecutive week.
