For much of the first half inside Bobby Dodd Stadium, it looked like Clemson was sleepwalking toward disaster. Georgia Tech dictated tempo, forced an early turnover, and silenced the Tigers’ offense while building a 13-0 cushion.
But with less than a minute before the break, Cade Klubnik finally broke through, punching in a one-yard touchdown run to cap a 16-play, 75-yard drive that cut the deficit to 13-7 at halftime.
Tech Strikes First, Clemson Stumbles Early
Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King was sharp and efficient, completing 12-of-16 passes for 129 yards in the first half. His command of the short-to-intermediate passing game kept the Tigers off balance, and Jamal Haynes finished one of those drives with a five-yard touchdown run.
Meanwhile, Clemson sabotaged itself with mistakes. Klubnik fumbled on a scramble in the opening quarter, setting up a Yellow Jackets field goal. Nolan Hauser later missed a 52-yard attempt, adding to the frustration.
Randall Provides a Spark
Adam Randall gave Clemson its only real offensive life before halftime. The running back ripped off a 30-yard burst and finished the half with 51 yards on just eight carries, averaging 6.4 yards per attempt. Without his big play, the Tigers’ offense was largely stuck in neutral.
Klubnik Finds His Rhythm Late
Klubnik’s first-half passing line – 9-of-14 for 72 yards – wasn’t gaudy, but he showed poise in orchestrating the long touchdown drive before halftime. Mixing short completions to Bryant Wesco Jr. (four catches, 31 yards) with timely quarterback keepers, Klubnik steadied the offense when it needed it most.
Defensive Grit, but No Breakthrough
Defensively, Clemson bent but didn’t completely break. Linebacker Wade Woodaz and safety Ronan Hanafin combined for five tackles each, while the Tigers registered three tackles for loss. Still, the secondary gave up explosive plays – including a 42-yard strike from King to Eric Rivers – that set up Georgia Tech’s scoring chances.
What’s Next
The Tigers enter the locker room trailing by six, but with momentum finally on their side. If Randall continues to gash Tech on the ground and Klubnik builds on his late-first-half rhythm, Clemson has a chance to flip the script.
But if the early miscues return – turnovers, missed tackles, and wasted red-zone opportunities – Georgia Tech is poised to deliver a statement win over one of the ACC’s traditional powers.