Clemson survives potential upset

The Tigers (1-1), 31-point favorites according to Sportsbook, trailed 16-0 midway through the second quarter and 16-3 at halftime, but outscored the Trojans (1-1) 24-0 after the break. Bryant Wesco Jr. caught two second-half touchdown passes from Cade Klubnik, while Adam Randall ran for 112 yards and a score. Klubnik finished 18 of 24 for 196 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

Clemson gained just 114 yards and committed two turnovers in the first half, including an interception off a tipped pass that linebacker TJ Thompson returned 4 yards for a touchdown. The Tigers finally scored with 4:11 left before halftime on a 25-yard field goal by Nolan Hauser.

"I don't think really anybody felt panicked or anything," Klubnik said. "We know who we are. We believe that."

The 16-point comeback was the program's third largest at Death Valley. "There's a reason there are only three," coach Dabo Swinney said. "Because when you get down like that, you usually get beat."

Troy didn't help itself, committing 10 penalties for 95 yards and three turnovers. "That was the difference in the football game," Trojans coach Gerad Parker said.

Clemson was without multiple starters, including wide receiver Antonio Williams, who injured a hamstring in the loss to LSU. Williams led the Tigers with 75 receptions, 904 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 2024. Safety Khalil Barnes (hamstring) and left tackle Tristan Leigh (undisclosed) also did not play.