Clemson Football: Instant Reaction – Tigers 41 Yellow Jackets 10

Clemson football opened the season in Mercedes-Benz Stadium Monday evening and came out with a 41-10 victory over the Yellow Jackets in the season opener for both teams.

Below are quick notes from the game, with plenty more to come.

From the very first play of the game K.J. Henry and the Clemson defense controlled this game with the same relentless pressure, physicality and speed that mark the previous editions under Brent Venables.

As far as the offense goes, it was much of the same for D.J. Uiagalelei, mystifying missteps followed by good plays, wrapped around questionable decisions.

The offensive line struggled to get a push and the running game suffered for it in the first half, but found their stride in the third.

Uiagalelei wasn’t all bad, but to get to the next level this team needs more.  There were too many missed plays, fumbles, stumbles and plays where the ball was either loose or put in jeopardy.

With Henry coming off the edge and Bryan Bresee dominating inside the Tiger defense lived up to expectations, while the offense was reminiscent of the 2021 version early.

Eventually the Tigers depth and talent took over and they dominated the late stages of the game, especially on special teams where two blocked punts led to 14 points.

Clemson football defeated Georgia Tech 41-10 in the opener on Monday night after struggling early, regaining their footing in the 3rd quarter

Aidan Swanson had a fantastic game in his first as starting punter.

It’s early, but Antonio Williams looks like a player and a difference maker on offense.  It’s strange to agree with Dave Pasch and Dusty Dvorcek, but they raved about Williams and I understand why.  He offers something in the slot that Clemson has been missing.

Cade Klubnik came in and looked very good on a touchdown drive late in the game, which means there’ll be plenty of questions from the media and fans alike moving forward.

Here’s the facts: With this defense Clemson has a chance to win every game., but as they played tonight this is not a National Championship contender when you look at Georgia, Alabama and Ohio State.