OFFENSE — A
Clemson didn’t just win — it overwhelmed. The Tigers piled up 456 total yards, including 219 rushing yards on a blistering 7.1 yards per carry. Freshman QB trio Cade Klubnik, Christopher Vizzina and Chris Denson combined to go 23-of-36 for 237 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs
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Klubnik delivered a near-perfect opening quarter, hitting Antonio Williams twice for touchdowns (22 and 35 yards). Denson added the exclamation point: 106 rushing yards on just six carries, including a 50-yard burst, plus a touchdown pass and a rushing score in the fourth quarter.
Clemson scored touchdowns on four of its first five drives, and nine players recorded receptions in a clean, efficient, multi-layered offensive performance.
QUARTERBACKS — A
Clemson showcased depth few teams can match. Klubnik was sharp early (159 yards, 2 TDs), Vizzina controlled the middle quarters (52 yards, TD), and Denson finished perfect (4-for-4, TD). Most importantly: zero turnovers, four scores, and the offense never looked out of rhythm.
RUNNING BACKS — A
The committee worked like a machine. Behind Denson’s breakout, Gideon Davidson added 52 yards, and David Eziomume chipped in 34. The backs wore down Furman, consistently ripping chunk plays — Clemson logged five runs of 14+ yards. Tyler Brown even contributed a 21-yard end-around TD.
This was the most efficient rushing performance of the season.
WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS — A-
Antonio Williams looked unstoppable, posting 57 yards and two early touchdowns on just two catches. T.J. Moore added 49 yards, and Clemson spread the ball beautifully — 12 players were targeted.
Freshman TE Christian Bentancur added a red-zone score, while Logan Brooking snagged another from Denson in the fourth. A couple drops prevent a straight A, but depth and efficiency shined.
OFFENSIVE LINE — B+
The line paved the way for dominance, producing 7.1 yards per carry, and allowed just one sack all game. Protection tightened after a few early pressures, and Clemson controlled the line of scrimmage for nearly the entire afternoon.
The lone ding: two negative plays created by interior leakage in the first quarter. Otherwise, this was winning football in the trenches.
DEFENSE — A
Clemson’s defense was suffocating. The Tigers allowed just 66 rushing yards on 28 carries (2.4 YPC) and forced Furman into 4-of-17 on third down
. A first-half interception from Sammy Brown helped swing early momentum, and Clemson finished with nine tackles for loss and two sacks.
Will Heldt and Sammy Brown each delivered impact plays, and Branden Strozier broke up two passes. The only blemish: a third-quarter drive where Furman went 55 yards for its lone touchdown.
This group again proved it’s elite against the run and disruptive at every level.
SPECIAL TEAMS — B
Nolan Hauser hit a 45-yard field goal and all his PATs, though he missed from 36. Punt coverage was steady. Antonio Williams added a 30-yard punt return to set the tone.
The only big swing: a monster 74-yard Furman punt that flipped field position briefly. Otherwise, Clemson stayed clean.
COACHING — A
The offensive tempo, rotations and aggressive play-calling built a 31–3 halftime lead. The defensive staff created constant confusion for Furman’s quarterbacks, and Clemson’s depth was managed perfectly.
Four quarterbacks played, more than 20 defenders saw meaningful snaps, and the Tigers never let Furman breathe.
OVERALL — A
This was Clemson’s most complete game of the year.
Efficient quarterback play. Explosive rushing. Smothering defense. Depth everywhere.
The Tigers finally put together four quarters of the football this roster is capable of — and delivered a result that shows real momentum heading into rivalry week.