On Saturday night, under the lights of Alumni Stadium, they delivered a resounding message with a 41-10 thrashing of an overwhelmed Boston College squad. The game was a showcase of Clemson's potential, as they fired on all cylinders and left the Eagles searching for answers.
Did anyone on the Boston College roster show up? And just how high did the Tigers grade out in their bounce-back performance? We’re breaking it all down and handing out grades for every single unit.
Clemson Tigers: Grade Report
Offense: A-
When your offense puts up 504 total yards and controls the ball for over 37 minutes, you’re doing something right. Quarterback Cade Klubnik was sharp and efficient, completing 22 of 30 passes for 280 yards and a beautiful 38-yard touchdown strike to Bryant Wesco Jr.. The ground game was a four-headed monster, gashing the Eagles for 226 yards and four touchdowns. The Tigers were an impressive 6-for-12 on third down and a near-perfect 3-for-4 on fourth down, showing a killer instinct that has been missing at times this season. The only blemishes were two second-half interceptions that kept this from being an A+ performance.
Defense: A
Complete and utter domination. The Tigers' defense held Boston College to a measly 214 total yards and a pathetic 3.6 yards per play. They lived in the Eagles' backfield, racking up five sacks and seven tackles for loss. The pass rush, led by Jahiem Lawson's two sacks, completely rattled Boston College's quarterbacks, who combined for a meager 136 passing yards. The defense also forced a fumble and an interception, slamming the door on any hopes of a comeback. This was the kind of suffocating performance that Clemson defenses have been known for.
Special Teams: B+
Solid, dependable, and nearly flawless. Kicker Nolan Hauser was perfect on the night, drilling field goals from 46 and 50 yards out and converting all five of his extra-point attempts. The kickoff team was outstanding, recording six touchbacks on seven kickoffs. The only hiccup was a muffed punt which led to a turnover. Otherwise, this was a stellar night for a unit that did its job and then some.
Coaching: A
Dabo Swinney and his staff had this team ready to play from the opening whistle. The offensive game plan was balanced and effective, and the defensive scheme was perfectly designed to confuse and frustrate Boston College. The halftime adjustments were minimal because the initial plan was so well-executed. This was a masterclass in preparation and in-game management, and it resulted in a much-needed, confidence-boosting victory.