At the midway point of the 2024 season, the Clemson Tigers sit at a solid 4-1 overall and an undefeated 3-0 in the ACC. Under head coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson has rebounded from a tough season-opening loss to Georgia, showcasing the resilience and depth that define the Tigers. With standout performances on both offense and defense, Clemson is positioning itself as a contender for the ACC title and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff.
Season Overview
Clemson’s season began with a rough 34-3 defeat at the hands of the Georgia Bulldogs, a game where they struggled to gain offensive momentum. However, they quickly regrouped with decisive victories over Appalachian State (66-20), NC State (59-35), Stanford (40-14), and Florida State (29-13), proving that their early-season woes were short-lived. The Tigers have outscored opponents 197-116, averaging an impressive 39.4 points per game, while allowing just 23.2 points per contest.
Offensive Breakthroughs
The Clemson offense is powered by quarterback Cade Klubnik, who has thrown for 1,219 yards and 14 touchdowns with a completion rate of 64.3%. Klubnik’s five-touchdown, 378-yard performance against Appalachian State was a season highlight, setting the tone for Clemson’s offensive resurgence.
Phil Mafah has been the workhorse in the backfield, rushing for 496 yards and two touchdowns while averaging an impressive 7.3 yards per carry. Mafah’s 154-yard effort against Florida State was key in their victory over a tough Seminoles team.
The receiving corps has also stepped up, with Antonio Williams leading the team with 280 yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Jake Briningstool has emerged as a reliable red-zone target, hauling in three touchdowns this season.
Defensive Standouts
Defensively, the Tigers have shown flashes of dominance. Wade Woodaz leads the defense with 40 tackles, while Barrett Carter has been a force at linebacker, tallying 32 tackles and 2 sacks. Defensive end T.J. Parker has emerged as a disruptive presence, leading the team with four sacks. Clemson’s defense has held opponents to just 371.4 yards per game and forced 10 turnovers, including seven interceptions.
The secondary has been opportunistic, with Avieon Terrell leading the team with two interceptions. Clemson’s defense also excelled in their ability to pressure the quarterback, recording 10 sacks through five games. Their four-sack performance against Stanford showcased their defensive prowess, helping to limit the Cardinal to just 14 points.
Key Games Recap
Clemson vs. Georgia (3-34)
The season opener against Georgia was a difficult start for Clemson. Georgia’s defense stifled the Tigers, holding them to just 188 total yards. Despite the loss, the Tigers regrouped and used the game as motivation to improve.
Clemson vs. Appalachian State (66-20)
In a game that marked Clemson’s offensive explosion, Cade Klubnik threw for 378 yards and five touchdowns, while Phil Mafah rushed for 118 yards. The Tigers amassed 712 yards of total offense, easily overpowering Appalachian State.
Clemson vs. Florida State (29-13)
A pivotal ACC matchup saw Clemson’s defense rise to the occasion. Phil Mafah rushed for 154 yards, and Klubnik added two passing touchdowns to lead the Tigers to a convincing victory over a strong Florida State team.
Special Teams and Red Zone Efficiency
Clemson’s special teams have been solid, with kicker Nolan Hauser converting 10 of 12 field goal attempts and 23 of 24 extra-point tries. Punter Aidan Swanson has averaged 43.6 yards per punt, consistently flipping field position in Clemson’s favor.
In the red zone, Clemson has been effective, converting 86% of their red-zone trips into points. However, they have room for improvement in scoring touchdowns, as only 45% of their red-zone opportunities have resulted in touchdowns.
Areas for Improvement
Despite their success, Clemson has a few areas that need attention. The offensive line has allowed too much pressure on Klubnik at times, resulting in two interceptions and inconsistent third-down conversions (39%). Clemson also needs to capitalize more effectively in the red zone, turning more of their opportunities into touchdowns.
The defense has been solid, but their performance in the season opener against Georgia exposed some vulnerabilities in both run defense and pass coverage. Improving consistency on defense will be crucial as Clemson moves deeper into their ACC schedule and faces tougher competition.
Looking Ahead
Clemson’s upcoming schedule includes key ACC matchups against Wake Forest, Virginia, and Louisville. These games will be critical for the Tigers as they look to remain unbeaten in conference play and strengthen their case for a spot in the ACC Championship game.
With a balanced offense, a playmaking defense, and a resurgent Cade Klubnik at the helm, Clemson has all the tools necessary to make a deep postseason run. If they can tighten up their red-zone efficiency and continue to develop their defensive consistency, the Tigers will be well-positioned to compete for an ACC title and beyond.
