WINSTON-SALEM – After a brief early deficit, the Clemson Tigers roared their way to a commanding 49-14 victory over Wake Forest at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The win improves Clemson to 5-1 (4-0 ACC) while Wake Forest falls to 2-4 (1-2 ACC).
Quarterback Cade Klubnik led an explosive Tigers offense that accumulated 566 total yards, completing 31 of 41 passes for 309 yards and three touchdowns. The balanced Clemson attack also featured running back Phil Mafah, who rushed for 118 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.
Despite Wake Forest striking first on a 31-yard touchdown pass from Heisman Bachmeier to Horatio Fields late in the opening quarter, Clemson responded with an overwhelming offensive surge. The Tigers scored 28 points in the second quarter alone, effectively putting the game out of reach before halftime.
Tight end Jake Briningstool emerged as Klubnik's favorite target, hauling in seven receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. Tyler Stellato and Antonio Williams also contributed significantly in the passing game, each securing touchdown receptions as part of Clemson's aerial assault.
The Tigers' defense matched the offense's intensity, limiting Wake Forest to just 233 total yards and forcing two crucial interceptions. Linebacker Wade Woodaz led the defensive effort with six tackles and a sack, while the secondary consistently disrupted the Demon Deacons' passing game, holding them to just 146 yards through the air.
Wake Forest's offense struggled to find consistency after their opening touchdown drive. Bachmeier finished 12-of-21 for 126 yards with two touchdowns but also threw two costly interceptions that Clemson converted into 14 points. The Demon Deacons' ground game was similarly contained, managing just 87 yards on 28 attempts.
The Tigers' dominance was perhaps most evident in their control of the clock, possessing the ball for over 36 minutes while converting 7 of 11 third-down attempts. This sustained offensive execution allowed Clemson to wear down the Wake Forest defense, which faced 85 total plays.
The victory maintains Clemson's perfect conference record and positions them firmly in the ACC title race. The Tigers' balanced offensive attack and stifling defense suggest they've hit their stride at a crucial point in the season.
For Wake Forest, the loss represents their fourth defeat in six games, raising questions about their bowl eligibility prospects with half the season remaining. The Demon Deacons will need to regroup quickly as they travel to take on UConn before continuing their conference schedule.
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