Pure domination in Death Valley, Clemson rolls NC State, 59-35

Today was about regaining the belief after Clemson's loss to Georgia. The Tigers needed to remember they are a good football team, a college football playoff contender, and it's safe to say they have.

Clemson completely handled NC State from beginning to end. Although NC State scored 21 points in the second half, it came after the Tigers called off the dogs. The Wolfpack only gained 164 yards in the first half and one touchdown. Clemson's defense had eight tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception, two pass breakups, four quarterback hurries, and two fumble recoveries. The numbers might not look good on paper, but this defense is still elite.

The offense looked fantastic. Again, the production slowed down when Dabo Swinney pulled the starters, but Clemson had 408 yards of offense in the first half and scored 45 points. After the Tigers crushed Appalachian State, it's good to see that this offense can continue to dominate against Power Four competition.

Cade Klubnik had a great performance, going 16 of 24 passing for 209 yards, three touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown via the longest run of his career. However, the best runner was Phil Mafah, who went for 107 yards and a touchdown on only seven attempts.

The passing game was by committee, with five pass catchers gaining more than 25 yards through the air.