Quarterback: B
Cade Klubnik shook off a brutal first half — including a pick-six — to finish 18-of-24 for 196 yards and two touchdowns. He was accurate (75% completions) and efficient down the stretch, connecting with Bryant Wesco on two huge scores. But the early mistakes left Clemson in a 16-0 hole, dropping his overall mark.
Running Backs: A-
Adam Randall was the workhorse, carrying 20 times for 112 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a 30-yard burst that ignited the comeback. He also added 23 receiving yards and 30 on kick returns, totaling 165 all-purpose yards. Freshman Gideon Davidson chipped in, but this grade belongs to Randall’s grit.
Wide Receivers: A
Bryant Wesco was unstoppable, hauling in 7 catches for 118 yards and two scores, including a game-sealing 34-yarder. Tyler Brown was steady with 4 grabs for 45 yards, moving the chains when needed. This was the breakout performance Tiger fans have been waiting for from their young WR corps.
Offensive Line: C+
The unit paved the way for 118 rushing yards and only allowed one sack, but the first half was ugly. Penalties and blown protections stalled drives, and Troy’s defensive front won too many battles early. Better in the second half, but still a work in progress.
Defensive Line: B+
Clemson’s front notched three sacks and five tackles for loss. DeMonte Capehart, Avieon Terrell, and Will Heldt all registered sacks, and the line tightened in the second half after giving up chunk runs early to Troy’s Tae Meadows.
Linebackers: B
Wade Woodaz led the team with 11 tackles, flying sideline to sideline. Sammy Brown and Drew Woodaz were steady, though Troy’s backs slipped through arm tackles in the first half. Solid, but not their sharpest outing.
Secondary: B
Three interceptions saved the day — Ricardo Jones, Ronan Hanafin, and Ashton Hampton all picked off Goose Crowder. Still, Clemson allowed six explosive passes, including a 44-yard TD. Bend-but-don’t-break worked against Troy; against ACC heavyweights, it won’t.
Special Teams: B+
Kicker Nolan Hauser was perfect, hitting two field goals and three extra points. Jack Smith averaged 45 yards per punt. The lone blemish was Adam Randall’s costly first-half fumble on a return that set up Troy points.
Coaching: C
Give Dabo Swinney and Garrett Riley credit for halftime adjustments — Clemson scored 24 unanswered in the second half. But the sluggish start, lack of early energy, and questionable play-calling that led to a 16-0 deficit can’t be ignored. Against Troy, the Tigers could afford it. Against ACC contenders, they won’t.
Overall: B-
Clemson did what it had to do, but it was far from convincing. The Tigers were booed off the field in the second quarter, then roared back behind Randall and Wesco. The final score looks comfortable, but this team still has plenty to clean up before ACC play.