Clemson’s ACC opener came down to the final play, but it was Georgia Tech celebrating after Aidan Birr’s 55-yard walk-off field goal sealed a 24-21 Yellow Jackets win. For the Tigers, it was a game of highlights and heartbreak. Here are the three ups and three downs:
Ups
1. Bryant Wesco Jr.’s Breakout
The freshman wideout proved he’s already a star. Wesco hauled in seven catches for 126 yards, including a 73-yard touchdown bomb from Cade Klubnik. His speed and ability to stretch the field gave Clemson life when the offense sputtered.
2. Adam Randall’s Tough Running
Randall was the heartbeat of the ground game, rushing 15 times for 80 yards and powering in the game-tying touchdown with just over three minutes to play. He also chipped in on special teams with a 20-yard kick return.
3. Defensive Playmakers Flashing
Linebacker Sammy Brown and safety Ronan Hanafin combined for 18 tackles, while the Tigers logged eight tackles for loss. Clemson’s front seven showed moments of dominance, especially in the first half when the Jackets’ run game stalled.
Downs
1. Costly Turnovers
Cade Klubnik’s first-quarter fumble handed Tech an early field goal, and his third-quarter red-zone interception wiped out a chance to take control. Those mistakes became the difference in a one-possession game.
2. Special Teams Collapse
Nolan Hauser missed a 52-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter. Georgia Tech’s Birr, on the other hand, drilled all three of his attempts, including the game-winner from 55 yards. The gap in special teams execution couldn’t have been clearer.
3. Failure to Finish Defensively
The defense cracked in the fourth quarter. Georgia Tech’s 13-play, 90-yard touchdown drive, capped by Haynes King’s one-yard plunge and a successful two-point conversion, flipped momentum for good. Allowing 8-of-15 third-down conversions also extended too many Jacket drives.
Bottom Line
Clemson showed fight, erasing a double-digit deficit and tying the game late. But turnovers, missed special teams opportunities, and a defense that wilted in crunch time doomed the Tigers. Until those issues are fixed, they’ll continue to fall short in winnable games.