CLEMSON, S.C. — Cade Klubnik showcased his skills by throwing for 308 yards and three touchdowns, leading No. 10 Clemson to a 48-31 victory over Virginia on Saturday. The Tigers overcame a sluggish beginning to secure their sixth consecutive win, improving their record to 6-1 overall and 5-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. This victory marked Clemson’s 11th triumph in their last 12 matchups and represented their seventh straight win against the Cavaliers, who now stand at 4-3 and 2-2 in the ACC.
A notable aspect of this win was the emotional reunion between Clemson’s head coach Dabo Swinney and Virginia’s head coach Tony Elliott. Elliott, a former Clemson receiver and longtime offensive assistant under Swinney, returned to Death Valley for the first time since taking the helm at Virginia three seasons ago. The game concluded with a heartfelt embrace between the two coaches as they headed to their respective locker rooms.
Virginia managed to take an early lead, being the first team this season to do so against Clemson in a home game. They were up 10-3 early in the second quarter after capitalizing on a Klubnik interception. Anthony Colandrea connected with tight end Dakota Twitty for an 8-yard touchdown pass, putting the Cavaliers in front. However, that momentum quickly shifted, as the Tigers responded with an impressive scoring run of 35 consecutive points to turn the game in their favor.
Phil Mafah initiated the scoring spree for Clemson with a 1-yard rushing touchdown to even the game, and he later gave the Tigers the lead with a three-yard run. Olsen Patt-Henry made significant contributions as well, catching an 11-yard touchdown pass on Clemson’s first drive of the second half. He then executed a 40-yard touchdown reception on a fourth-and-1 play, extending the Tigers’ lead to 38-10.
In addition to his passing prowess, receiver Antonio Williams showcased his versatility once more, completing a 34-yard pass to Troy Stellato that set up Mafah’s second rushing touchdown. Williams further bolstered the Tigers’ performance with a 36-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter.
For Virginia, Elliott’s familiarity with Swinney’s strategies led to some frustration for the Tigers, as they managed to score three fourth-quarter touchdowns. However, Elliott faces challenges ahead as he aims to recruit the level of five-star talent he once coached at Clemson.
Although Clemson’s performance was not without its imperfections, the team efficiently demonstrated their dominance over yet another ACC opponent, racking up over 500 total yards for the fifth time this season.
In a significant individual honor, former Clemson tailback C.J. Spiller was inducted into the Memorial Stadium’s ring of honor, with his name being unveiled before the game. Spiller, a former ACC player of the year, holds the conference record with 7,588 all-purpose yards.
Looking ahead, Virginia will return home for a matchup against North Carolina next Saturday. Meanwhile, Clemson will enjoy a bye week before commencing the final stretch of the regular season against Louisville.