Rapid Reaction: Klubnik throws 4 touchdowns, Clemson dominates Georgia Tech
Don't look now, but the Clemson Tigers have found a groove. A week after their gutsy win over No. 15 Notre Dame, Clemson came out swinging against the upstart Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, scoring three second-quarter touchdowns on their way to a 42-21 win.
It was a game that felt a lot like foreshadowing for the Tigers. Yes, you have two more regular season games, and, after today's win, a bowl game, but Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has taken the reigns off of this freshmen class, getting important snaps for players who are going to be playing significant roles for the Tigers over the next couple of years.
Shelton Lewis (14) and Khalil Barnes (36) both had interceptions against Georgia Tech.
Four freshmen defensive backs had interceptions [Avieon Terrell, Khalil Barnes, Shelton Lewis, and Kylon Griffin], Peter Woods dominated at his nose tackle spot, and Josh Sapp hauled in a touchdown catch. It was a banner day for the 2023 class.
It was also a consistent day for Cade Klubnik. Outside of an interception that was just a great play by a defensive back, Klubnik operated the offense with precision, completing 23-34 passes for 204 yards and four touchdowns. It wasn't an eye-popping performance but it was just what the offense needed. Klubnik helped pick up multiple third and fourth down conversions and was lethal in the red zone.
Will Shipley and Phil Mafah combined for 222 yards in their best-combined performance of the year. Shipley briefly left the game after a blow to the head - that should've been called for targeting - but returned later in the game.
Defensively, this was another elite performance. Outside of a garbage time touchdown at the end and a touchdown scored after the punt team gave the ball to Georgia Tech at the 25, Clemson allowed just three drives that entered their territory. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. led the way with 6 tackles, including 2 tackles for a loss and a sack.
