On Saturday in Clemson, South Carolina, Cade Klubnik, a first-year starter, led the Clemson Tigers (2-1) to a 48-14 victory over the Florida Atlantic Owls (1-2) with more over 200 yards and four touchdowns combined.
Despite having only 367 total yards throughout the game, Clemson only had one turnover, which was a season low. Through three games, the Tigers have committed six turnovers.
On the other side, the Owls totaled 293 yards of offense, but Clemson’s hopes of recording its first shutout of the year were dashed by two fourth-quarter scores.
The Tigers got things going right away. The Owls’ initial drive was derailed when Nate Wiggins intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. Klubnik connected with junior tight end Jake Briningstool and freshmen wide receiver Tyler Brown in the end zone for the first of Clemson’s three first-quarter touchdowns.
Phil Mafah, a junior running back who led the Tigers with 42 rushing yards, scored on a 19-yard touchdown run to start the second quarter. A few minutes later, Klubnik scored on a 1-yard run for his first running touchdown of the season, giving the Tigers a 34-point lead at the half.
Klubnik connected with Brown for his second touchdown of the game after a slow start to the second half. Brown’s final production was by far the highest of his brief career, with three receptions for 49 yards.
The Owls’ reserve quarterback Michael Johnson Jr. powered his way into the end zone in the fourth quarter, preventing Wes Goodwin’s defense from recording the team’s first shutout since the 2021 season.
The Tigers’ scoring was completed by freshman running back Domonique Thomas of Clemson, who scored on a 2-yard run for his second touchdown in as many games.
However, FAU ended the scoring with a 33-yard touchdown throw from junior wide receiver Devin Price to junior receiver Javion Posey.
The following weekend sees both teams back on the field as the Tigers host No. 3 Florida State and the Owls travel to face Illinois.
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