(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccurate headline)
Clemson moves to 2-0 in conference play after welcoming Stanford to the ACC with a 40-14 beatdown.
Tonight was the first time since the Georgia game that an offense had any success against Clemson's starting defense. Stanford might've scared Tiger fans with how well it ran the ball, outrushing Clemson 168 yards to 86 and outgaining the Tigers in total yards in the first half. The second half was a different story.
Clemson's defense came out of the locker room with a mission, holding the Cardinals to 131 yards of total offense. But even with all the yards Stanford gained, it only managed to score 14 points. The Tigers forced four turnovers tonight, including two in the red zone. If Stanford had capitalized on those two trips, we could be looking at this game from a completely different point of view.
While the defense played lights out — especially in the second half — the other side of the ball took advantage of every opportunity Stanford gave them. Cade Klubnik completed less than 50 percent of his passes, but some of the game's biggest plays happened because of his arm. In fact, his 25 completed passes went for 255 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception.
Now, Clemson turns the page to Florida State, which has been one of the biggest disappointments in the ACC. If it can make it past the Seminoles, it should be smooth sailing until November 2, when the Tigers play Louisville.
This post originally stated that Clemson force five turnovers instead four and has been updated.