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Surging Tigers Roar Into the College Football Playoff

Writer's picture: Dominic AmbroseDominic Ambrose
Surging Tigers Roar
© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

As the first round of the College Football Playoff gets ready to begin, the No. 12-ranked Clemson Tigers (10-3, 8-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) will battle the No. 5-ranked Texas Longhorns (11-2, 7-1 Southeastern Conference) on Dec. 21 in Austin, Texas. After a thrilling win in the conference championship against the No. 11 SMU Mustangs (11-2, 8-1) the Tigers took care of business to make the 12-team playoff. How did head coach Dabo Swinney and the surging Tigers seize the opportunity and roar into the playoffs?



Second Year in Air-Raid Offense

After a down season in 2023, the Tigers' offense was high-powered in the second year of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley's system. Quarterback Cade Klubnik showed the needed growth and turned in his best season as a starter. His ability to deliver the ball to all areas of the field and put his playmakers in position to make plays showed as he averaged 7.5 yards per pass and threw for 3,303 yards on the season. He made smart decisions throwing 33 touchdowns to only 5 interceptions.



Klubnik also showed an elusiveness throughout the season to extend plays and make plays with his legs. He finished second on the team, behind running back Phil Mafah, with 458 yards and 7 touchdowns. Klubnik's receivers proved key to earning the win in the conference championship and throughout the season. While receiver Antonio Williams led the team, the emergence of freshman Bryant Wesco Jr. helped energize the offense. Williams led the way with 838 yards and 10 touchdowns while Wesco averaged just shy of 18 yards per reception and recorded 5 touchdowns.


Overall, the Tigers offense improved scoring almost 6 more points per game over last season and better than 50 yards per game.



Veteran Defense

The defense showed its physicality and speed throughout the season. Led by senior linebacker Barrett Carter who led the team with 76 tackles. His closing speed and quickness on his first step made it seem like he was everywhere on the field tormenting opposing offenses in the backfield with 3.5 sacks and had 7 pass breakups. Defensive end TJ Parker proved to be a nightmare for opposing offenses with 11 sacks on the year. Cornerback Avieon Terrell proved to be a lockdown corner with 52 tackles, 10 pass breakups and 2 interceptions on the season. He also forced 3 fumbles and recovered two.


Surging Tigers Roar
© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Rollercoaster Finish

Heading into the final weekend of the regular season, the Tigers needed help to make the ACC Championship. With their conference schedule finished the Tigers were on the outside looking in and needed a loss by the No. 13 Miami Hurricanes (10-2, 6-2) to play in the conference championship. Despite a loss to the in-state rival South Carolina Gamecocks (9-3, 5-3 SEC) the Tigers got their chance with the Hurricanes losing to the Syracuse Orange (9-3, 5-3). Knowing they needed a victory in the game, the Tigers earned the ACC title after a thrilling 34-31 victory over the Mustangs thanks to a 56-yard field goal by Nolan Hauser.



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