Live from Death Valley: Clemson vs. Wake Forest |
SATURDAY, OCT. 7 • 3:30 P.M. ET • MEMORIAL STADIUM (81,500) • CLEMSON, S.C. TELEVISION: ACC Network (Chris Cotter, Mark Herzlich, Sherree Burruss) RADIO: Clemson Athletic Network (Don Munson, Tim Bourret, Reggie Merriweather) RADIO: Gridiron Radio Network (Noah Britt, Jon Reynolds, Patrick Johnson) Odds: Wake Forest (+21) / Over-Under (52.5) CLEMSON: Depth Chart | Roster | Schedule Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney will attempt to tie College Football Hall of Famer Frank Howard as Clemson's all-time winningest head coach when his Tigers host the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Saturday, Oct. 7. Kickoff at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C., is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.
CLEMSON - Despite having numerous mistakes in all three phases, including another turnover in the red zone, Clemson still has a 7-3 lead going into halftime.
Particularly in the first quarter, the Tigers had several missed tackles on defense. However, because of mistakes by the Demon Deacons, these mistakes have not cost the team. Still, they nearly had their third defensive touchdown of the season after an apparent fumble by sophomore running back Demond Claiborne was picked up by junior safety Andrew Mukuba and returned for a touchdown. Upon review, the call was overturned as Claiborne was ruled down. The game was still 0-0 at this point.
Throughout the season, the Tigers have struggled with turnovers, especially in the red zone and on handoffs. In fact, coming into this game, they were tied for third-most fumbles lost out of any FBS team this season with six. That problem reared its head again as the handoff between sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik and junior running back Will Shipley was fumbled and recovered by the Deacons at the Clemson 12-yard line. Wake Forest ultimately would not score as they failed to convert on fourth and goal.
With 2:31 left in the first quarter, there was finally a score as redshirt sophomore kicker Matthew Dennis put the Deacs on the board. Clemson would not score in the first quarter for the first time this season since their season-opening loss against Duke. The Tigers finished the quarter with only five rushing yards, tied for their lowest in a quarter this season. They also only had one first down.
They finally responded to Wake Forest with 10:24 left in the first half with a seven-yard rushing touchdown by Klubnik. The extra point was good to give Clemson the 7-3 lead. This would be their only score of the half.
The Demon Deacons would have a turnover of their own. Sophomore receiver Wesley Grimes fumbled the ball; it was recovered by senior safety RJ Mickens to give Clemson back the ball with 5:53 left in the half. However, the Clemson offense did not take advantage of this turnover, as their drive ultimately resulted in a punt.
With less than two minutes to go in the half, the Tigers had another turnover. This time, it was by true freshman Tyler Brown. This gave Wake Forest the ball at the Clemson 31-yard line with 1:57 left in the half. However, this time, Dennis was not able to make the field goal for the Deacons as he missed a 39-yarder to end the first half.
Clemson has had a lead at halftime in every game this season. The Tigers will start the second half with the ball and will certainly be looking to tackle better in the second half, as well as reduce costly mistakes, particularly turnovers.
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