Clemson didn’t just beat North Carolina — it buried weeks of frustration under a pile of big plays, precision passing, and defensive dominance. The 38–10 victory in Chapel Hill felt like the Tigers finally turned a corner. But even in a game this lopsided, not everything was perfect. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and disappointments from Clemson’s most complete performance of 2025.
UP: Cade Klubnik’s Redemption Arc
This was the Cade Klubnik Clemson fans have been waiting for. The senior quarterback was surgical — completing 22 of 24 passes for 254 yards and 4 touchdowns while posting a 235.6 passer rating. He spread the ball to 10 different receivers, looked confident in the pocket, and finally showed the command of Garrett Riley’s offense that had been missing.
If there was ever a “get right” game, this was it. Klubnik looked like the leader of a program again.
UP: Explosive Plays Return
Clemson entered the weekend ranked near the bottom of the FBS in plays over 30 yards. That changed immediately. On the very first play, Antonio Williams — yes, the receiver — threw a 75-yard touchdown to T.J. Moore. Klubnik followed with three more strikes of 23 yards or longer in the opening quarter alone.
When Clemson’s offense stretches the field like this, it’s dangerous.
UP: Adam Randall and Christian Bentancur Shine
Randall looked like a man on a mission, catching two touchdowns (35 and 23 yards) as Clemson’s go-to red zone target. Tight end Christian Bentancur continued his emergence with two TDs of his own, including a 45-yard bomb that showed why he’s becoming one of the ACC’s toughest mismatches.
Together, they combined for four touchdowns and 126 yards — a glimpse at Clemson’s future offensive core.
UP: Defense Smothered UNC
Tom Allen’s defense was relentless. Clemson held the Tar Heels to just 229 total yards, only 54 rushing yards, and 1-of-10 on third down.
Defensive tackle Stephiylan Green notched a sack, while Sammy Brown and Khalil Barnes were everywhere, flying to the football and setting the tone physically.
It was a vintage Clemson defensive performance — suffocating, disciplined, and dominant.
DOWN: Red Zone Consistency Still Lacking
For all the fireworks, Clemson still left points on the field. The Tigers went 2-of-3 in red zone touchdowns and had to settle for a field goal in the fourth quarter after stalling inside the 10. Against top-tier competition later this season, those empty trips could prove costly.
DOWN: Penalties Pile Up Again
The one blemish in an otherwise pristine afternoon: discipline. Clemson was flagged seven times for 85 yards, including multiple holding calls that wiped out chunk plays in the second quarter. Cleaning that up will be key heading into the midseason stretch.
DOWN: Running Game Still Lacks Punch
Clemson’s rushing totals looked pedestrian — 89 net yards on 31 carries (2.9 YPC). While the passing game carried the day, the Tigers still haven’t found a consistent bell cow. Adam Randall and Gideon Davidson ran hard, but the offensive line’s push remains inconsistent.
If Clemson wants to sustain this offensive balance, the ground game has to find its rhythm.
Bottom Line
Clemson looked like Clemson again — fast, fearless, and fun. The Tigers rediscovered their offensive identity, their defensive bite, and perhaps most importantly, their swagger.
But with tougher ACC battles ahead, Dabo Swinney knows this can’t be a one-week wonder. Still, for one Saturday in Chapel Hill, the Tigers finally looked all in again.