WINSTON-SALEM – We have reached halftime here at Allegacy with No. 10 Clemson leading Wake Forest 28-14.
Halftime Analysis
– The Tigers put 28 points on the board in the second quarter. With those 28-points, Clemson (35-point Q1 vs. App State and 28-point Q1 vs. NC State) has now produced at least three individual quarters of 28 or more points in a single season for the third time in school history (three in 2020, four in 2012).
– The Clemson defense has to be better on third down. Wake quarterback Hank Bachmeier has basically had all day to throw on third and long in the first quarter. His first touchdown pass came on a third and eight. However, the Tigers were a little better with getting to him in the second quarter. One of his two interceptions came on third down. However, late in the half, Bachmeier converted a third and seven with his legs on a play where the defense got absolutely no pressure.
– Clemson is winning the turnover margin 2-0 and has turned both Bachmeier picks into touchdowns.
– Clemson’s defense is still struggling to stop the run. Particularly some of the outside runs. Wake is averaging 3.9 yards per carry over the first two quarters. The Deacs also have 12 first downs and 185 yards of total offense.
– Over the Tigers first two offensive possessions, Phil Mafah had just one carry. While Wake’s pass defense is absolutely porous, and it needs to be attacked, the rush defense isn’t all that much better. Feed your workhorse and let him do his thing. Especially on a day in which you are missing Bryant Wesco and Tyler Brown is still out. Mafah did start getting the ball more after those first two drives and finished the half with 14 carries for 91 yards with two touchdowns.
– Cade Klubnik overshot receivers on more than one occasion in the first half. Although, the deeper we get into the game, the better his throws have been. The 22-yarder to Jake Briningstool that set up the Tigers’ second touchdown was an absolute dime. The junior is 17-of-24 for 191 yards and two touchdowns.
– The Tigers’ offense was credited with nine “big” plays in the first half. Five via Klubnik and the passing game and four via the legs of Mafah. A big play is defined as a passing play that goes more than 15 yards and a running play that is 10 yards or more.
– Three trips inside the red zone and three touchdowns for Clemson. A nice way to respond after the struggles inside the 20 last week against Florida State.
– We finally got a look at the jumbo package in that first half. Peter Woods served as the fullback with Mafah as the running back. DeMonte Capehart was at tight end. Mafah just followed behind Woods, who absolutely blew up his man. He went in untouched.
A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
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