Mafah, Running Game Rolls in Rout of NC State

CLEMSON — It was a big day for No. 21 Clemson, especially in the ground game.

NC State had no answer for Clemson’s rushing attack, allowing 269 rushing yards and four touchdowns in their 59-35 loss to the Tigers. The ground game set the tone for the entire contest with an all-around average of 8.2 yards per carry, equaling nearly a first down on every rush.

Starting running back Phil Mafah, who broke out last year after taking over for former rusher and current Philadelphia Eagle Will Shipley, led the backfield with 107 yards on only seven carries, averaging 15.3 yards per carry. His performance helped lead the way for the rest of the runners.

“When everyone’s doing their job, good things happen,” Mafah said. “This game is just about the details. Minor details are what leads to big plays.”

Along with Mafah’s big performance, everyone was doing their job, especially on offense. Klubnik threw for three touchdowns in the first half with no turnovers, the running game proved dominant, and the offensive line blocked at a much higher level than of recent.

“They were amazing today,” Mafah said. “They were great. You got it done in the air and in the run game, so they’re versatile.”

The big performance by the offense wasn’t just a rare, unexpected sighting. Because of the bye-week, the two weeks the Tigers had to prepare led them to control the game.

“The guys were watching the film, guys know what to do, everyone’s on the same page,” Mafah said. “As long as everyone’s on the same page, we’re good.”

With his performance today, Mafah eclipsed over 2,000 rushing yards over his career and commented on his feelings from such an achievement.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “I’m proud of myself, proud of the o-line, proud of my coaches, my team for pushing me. I couldn’t have done it alone.”

Mafah will look to increase his career yardage and fight hard in Clemson’s next game against Stanford at Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. next Saturday.