CHARLOTTE – Charlotte’s Homecoming Saturday started earlier than expected and ended with Memphis firmly in control.

With kickoff moved to 11 a.m. because of impending inclement weather, Memphis scored 24 unanswered points in the first half before pulling away for a 59-8 win over Charlotte at Jerry Richardson Stadium.

The Tigers did most of their damage through the air early. After both teams punted on their opening possessions, Memphis quarterback Marcus Stokes connected with Jermane Hayes for a 93-yard touchdown with 10:25 remaining in the first quarter.

Stokes added a 25-yard touchdown pass to Jemyri Davis later in the quarter and found Hunter Tipton from 28 yards out early in the second. Philippe Laforge's 20-yard field goal as time expired sent Memphis into halftime with a 24-0 advantage. 

Heavy rain arrived around halftime and continued through much of the second half, but Charlotte briefly found a spark immediately after the break.

On the first play from scrimmage of the third quarter, Henry Rutledge broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run. Cole Gonzales then connected with Lane Wadle for the two-point conversion, cutting the Memphis lead to 24-8.

It was Charlotte's only score.

Memphis answered with 35 consecutive points. Stokes threw a 19-yard touchdown to Braylon Burnside and later connected with Tipton for a 24-yard score. Dallan Hayden added an eight-yard touchdown run to make it 45-8 entering the fourth quarter. Air Noland threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Brady Kluse in the final period before Jordan Thompson's one-yard run completed the scoring. 

Stokes finished 20-of-25 for 318 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. Hayes caught six passes for 123 yards, while Tipton had three catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns. Memphis finished with 674 yards of total offense, including 386 through the air and 288 on the ground. 

Charlotte, meanwhile, struggled to sustain possessions. The 49ers finished with 209 total yards, with Rutledge's 75-yard touchdown accounting for more than a third of that production. He finished with 111 yards on six carries. Gonzales went 6-of-14 for 73 yards with an interception, while Jaylen White completed one of two attempts for four yards. 

The disparity was especially pronounced on third down. Charlotte converted just 1-of-10 opportunities, compared with 10-of-16 for Memphis. The Tigers ran 89 plays to Charlotte's 40 and held the ball for 36:52. Charlotte also lost three of its four fumbles. 

Charlotte coach Tim Albin said afterward that the 49ers needed to be better on third down.

For Charlotte, it was a difficult Homecoming afternoon in increasingly difficult conditions. The rain arrived after the Tigers had established the lead, and Memphis never allowed the 49ers to work their way back into the game.

CLEMSON, SC – North Carolina appeared to be on the verge of delivering the decisive blow.

Instead, the game changed completely after a lengthy fourth-quarter stoppage.

The Tar Heels led Clemson 17-15 and had driven to the Tigers' 7-yard line when officials halted play with 8:11 remaining Saturday at Memorial Stadium. When the game resumed, North Carolina managed only a field goal, and Clemson answered with two late touchdowns to rally for a 28-20 victory.

The comeback completed a dramatic reversal for a Clemson team that had trailed 17-3 in the second quarter.

North Carolina controlled the opening half, using a productive rushing attack and a defense that repeatedly frustrated the Tigers. Clemson slowly chipped away at the deficit, however, pulling within two before the stoppage and then taking control down the stretch.

The official game file lists the contest as lasting 5 hours, 48 minutes, with 78,332 in attendance at Memorial Stadium.

North Carolina finished with 349 total yards, including 214 rushing, while Clemson amassed 401 yards. The Tigers produced 186 yards on the ground and 215 through the air. 

Tar Heels strike first

North Carolina set the tone early.

After forcing Clemson to punt on its opening possession, the Tar Heels went 47 yards in six plays, with Demon June scoring on a 3-yard run to give UNC a 7-0 lead with 10:50 remaining in the first quarter.

Clemson answered with a 49-yard Nolan Hauser field goal, but North Carolina responded again.

Billy Edwards Jr. found Benjamin Hall for a 15-yard touchdown to cap a 10-play, 75-yard drive, pushing the lead to 14-3 late in the opening quarter.

Aeron Burrell added a 33-yard field goal midway through the second, giving North Carolina a 17-3 advantage.

The Tar Heels also had an opportunity to make the margin even larger. Burrell missed a 47-yard field goal at the end of the first quarter, while Clemson spent much of the first half struggling to finish drives.

The Tigers finally mounted a sustained response just before halftime.

Clemson marched 88 yards in 18 plays, but North Carolina's defense held inside the 5-yard line. Hauser kicked a 21-yard field goal as time expired, cutting the margin to 17-6.

Clemson claws back

The second half quickly became a different game.

North Carolina turned the ball over on consecutive possessions early in the third quarter.

First, Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds was intercepted by Gregory Smith III near the North Carolina goal line, but the Tar Heels immediately gave the ball back when June fumbled on the ensuing play.

Clemson converted that opportunity into another Hauser field goal, trimming the deficit to 17-9.

The Tigers then put together their best drive of the game to that point.

Starting at their own 8-yard line, Clemson went 92 yards in seven plays. Reynolds connected with Christian Bentancur for a 27-yard touchdown with 4:21 remaining in the third quarter.

The score made it 17-15.

Clemson had scored 12 unanswered points.

North Carolina, though, responded.

The Tar Heels put together a methodical fourth-quarter drive and reached the Clemson 7-yard line with 8:11 remaining.

Then everything stopped.

With UNC still leading 17-15 and in position to extend the margin, officials halted play. The stoppage came at perhaps the most consequential moment of the afternoon: Clemson had seized the momentum, but North Carolina had finally answered with a drive of its own and had a chance to make it a two-score game.

When play eventually resumed, Clemson's defense prevented a touchdown.

Burrell kicked a 22-yard field goal with 6:34 remaining, capping a 12-play, 60-yard drive and giving North Carolina a 20-15 lead.

That would be the Tar Heels' final score.

Clemson takes over late

Clemson needed only 85 seconds to respond.

Gideon Davidson powered the Tigers down the field and scored on an 8-yard run with 5:01 remaining, giving Clemson its first lead of the afternoon, 21-20.

Davidson finished with 105 yards on 16 carries, including a 45-yard run, while Reynolds completed 20 of 29 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown. 

North Carolina could not answer.

Clemson then put the game away with one final explosive play.

Facing third-and-10 from the North Carolina 34 with just over a minute remaining, Tyler Brown broke free for a 34-yard touchdown run. Hauser's extra point made it 28-20 with exactly one minute left.

What had been a 20-15 North Carolina lead with fewer than seven minutes remaining had become an eight-point Clemson advantage.

North Carolina's ground game carries the offense

The loss overshadowed a strong performance by North Carolina running back Benjamin Hall.

Hall rushed for 130 yards on 18 carries, averaging more than seven yards per attempt. He also caught the Tar Heels' only touchdown pass, a 15-yard reception from Edwards in the first quarter.

June added 57 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, while North Carolina collectively ran for 214 yards on 39 attempts.

The passing game was much less effective.

Edwards completed 13 of 30 passes for 135 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while taking three sacks. Jordan Shipp led UNC with six catches for 68 yards. 

Clemson was more balanced.

Bryant Wesco Jr. finished with five receptions for 77 yards, while Bentancur caught two passes for 35 yards and the third-quarter touchdown. 

The Tigers also got nine points from Hauser, who made all three of his field-goal attempts, including kicks from 49, 21 and 22 yards.

For North Carolina, the result will be defined by the opportunity that slipped away.

The Tar Heels led by 14 in the first half. They still led by two entering the final stages. And when play stopped with 8:11 remaining, they were seven yards away from potentially putting Clemson in a much deeper hole.

Instead, UNC settled for three.

Clemson answered with 13.

And by the time the marathon afternoon finally ended, a game North Carolina had controlled for most of the day belonged to the Tigers.

TAMPA, FL – NC State closed its season with authority Saturday at Raymond James Stadium, riding a dominant first-half performance to a 31-7 victory over Memphis in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl.

The Wolfpack scored all 31 points before halftime, with quarterback CJ Bailey accounting for three touchdowns in a performance that showcased both his versatility and command of the offense. Bailey rushed for one score and threw for two more, finishing 14-of-25 for 221 yards through the air while adding a 14-yard touchdown run.

The victory marked NC State's first bowl win since 2017 and gave the program its eighth win of the season, the fifth time in six years the Wolfpack has reached that mark.

The scoring started early when Bailey capped a seven-play, 75-yard opening drive with his rushing touchdown at the 11:32 mark of the first quarter. Both of Bailey's pass attempts on the drive went for more than 20 yards before he kept it himself for the score, his sixth rushing touchdown of the season.

The Pack defense forced a three-and-out and a turnover on downs on Memphis's first two possessions. NC State converted the latter into points when Bailey found Wesley Grimes for a 31-yard touchdown strike at the 3:21 mark, giving the Wolfpack a 14-0 lead. Grimes absorbed a hard hit near the goal line but fought his way into the end zone for his third touchdown of the season.

The game's turning point came on Memphis's next possession. Quarterback Brendon Lewis completed passes to Marcello Bussey for gains of 24 and six yards to move into NC State territory. But on second-and-six from the NC State 49, Lewis's pass was tipped at the line and intercepted by linebacker Caden Fordham at the NC State 42.

Fordham, who would be named the game's MVP and become the first defensive player to earn that honor in Gasparilla Bowl history, sprinted 55 yards down the sideline before being brought down at the Memphis 3-yard line by Bryce Anderson. The return marked the second-longest by an NC State player in a bowl game since 2008.

Will Wilson finished the short drive two plays later, punching it in from one yard out for his 10th rushing touchdown of the season. The score came just 14 seconds into the second quarter, extending the lead to 21-0. Wilson's 10 rushing touchdowns tie him with Philip Rivers for the second-most in a season by an NC State quarterback, trailing only Scott Smith's 13 in 1979.

The Wolfpack added a 51-yard field goal by Kanoah Vinesett at the 8:03 mark of the second quarter to make it 24-0. The kick was a season-long for Vinesett, who finished the year 6-of-7 on field goal attempts and perfect from beyond 30 yards.

Memphis finally got on the board with a methodical eight-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a 28-yard touchdown pass from Lewis to Jamari Hawkins with 4:59 remaining in the half, cutting the deficit to 24-7.

But NC State answered immediately. On the first play after the kickoff, redshirt freshman running back Jayden "Duke" Scott burst through the middle for a 35-yard run to the Memphis 40. Two plays later, Bailey threw deep to Teddy Hoffmann, who hauled in a 40-yard touchdown pass with 1:28 left in the half to push the advantage to 31-7. The touchdown was Hoffmann's third of the season, and the score in his home state of Florida capped a dominant first-half performance.

The 31 first-half points were the most for NC State in a half of a bowl game in the last 30 seasons, surpassing the previous high of 28 points. It was also the most scored in a half by any team in Gasparilla Bowl history and the fourth-most by an ACC team in any bowl game over the last 30 years.

The second half turned into a defensive struggle, with neither team able to reach the end zone. The two sides combined for five punts, four turnovers on downs, and a lost fumble. It marked the first time either team had been shut out in a half all season and the first scoreless half for NC State in a bowl game since a 14-0 victory over South Florida on New Year's Eve 2005.

Scott led all rushers with 108 yards on 19 carries in just his second collegiate start, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. He became the fourth NC State player in the last 30 seasons to rush for 100 or more yards in a bowl game. Bailey added 30 rushing yards on seven attempts despite being sacked three times.

Wolfpack receivers averaged 15.8 yards per reception for the game, with eight different players recording catches of 15 or more yards. It was the first time NC State had eight or more players with a 15-plus-yard catch in the same game since 2010 at Georgia Tech and the first time an ACC team accomplished that feat in a bowl game since Maryland on New Year's Day 2004.

Grimes finished with three receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown, while Hoffmann's lone reception went for 40 yards and a score. Noah Rogers added two catches for 37 yards, and Dante Daniels contributed one reception for 22 yards.

Bailey became the only NC State player to have multiple passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in a bowl game in the last 30 seasons. He also became the first ACC player to record 200 or more passing yards, two or more passing touchdowns, and one or more rushing touchdowns in a bowl game since Trevor Lawrence in 2021. With 165 passing yards in the first half alone, Bailey became the seventh quarterback in NC State history to reach 3,000 passing yards in a season, finishing the year with 3,105 yards, good for ninth all-time in program history for a single season.

Fordham paced the defense with 13 tackles (five solo, eight assisted) to go along with his interception return, recording his ninth game of 10 or more tackles this season. The performance gave him 140 tackles for the year, the most in a season for NC State since Earl Wolff in 2012. As the leading tackler among Power Four conference players, Fordham also added 1.5 tackles for loss.

Linebacker Kenny Soares Jr. contributed 12 tackles, while Devon Marshall added eight stops and a pass breakup. Defensive end Joseph Adedire recorded a sack and recovered a fumble that Josiah Victor forced. Tra Thomas also had a sack, finishing off Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis for an 11-yard loss in the second quarter.

Memphis quarterback Lewis completed 14 of 25 passes for 106 yards, one touchdown and one interception before giving way to AJ Hill in the fourth quarter. Hill went 6-of-7 for 48 yards in relief. Khyair Spain led the Tigers' ground game with 65 yards on nine carries.

NC State converted 5 of 13 third-down attempts and held Memphis to just 7 points, becoming the first ACC team to hold an opponent to seven or fewer points and win by 24 or more in a bowl game since Virginia in 2018. The 24-point lead entering the fourth quarter was the largest for NC State heading into a final period of a bowl game in the last 30 seasons, and the game marked the eighth straight contest decided by 10 or more points for the Wolfpack.

The victory improved head coach Dave Doeren's record to eight or more wins in seven of the last nine seasons. NC State finished 8-5 overall and 6-0 when leading at halftime this season.

CHAPEL HILL – Clemson scored 35 first-half points and never looked back, defeating North Carolina 38-10 on Saturday afternoon at Kenan Stadium. The Tigers improved to 2-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play, while the Tar Heels dropped to 2-3 and 0-1.

The visitors wasted no time establishing control. On the game's opening drive, quarterback Antonio Williams connected with T.J. Moore for a 75-yard touchdown pass just 11 seconds into the contest. The one-play, 11-second drive set the tone for an afternoon that would see Clemson's passing attack overwhelm the Tar Heels' secondary.

North Carolina answered with its only sustained drive of the first half, marching 58 yards over 10 plays to set up Rece Verhoff's 35-yard field goal. The 7-3 score represented the closest the Tar Heels would come the rest of the afternoon.

Cade Klubnik took over under center for Clemson and orchestrated three touchdown drives before halftime. He found Adam Randall for a 35-yard score to cap a three-play, 75-yard drive that took just 68 seconds. Later in the quarter, Klubnik hit Christian Bentancur for 45 yards and another touchdown, extending the lead to 21-3. With one second remaining in the first quarter, Klubnik and Randall connected again, this time from 23 yards out, pushing the advantage to 28-3.

The second quarter featured more of the same. Clemson drove 37 yards in six plays, with Klubnik finding Bentancur for an 8-yard touchdown with 2:02 left in the half. The Tigers took a commanding 35-3 lead into the locker room, effectively ending any suspense about the outcome.

Klubnik finished 22-of-24 passing for 254 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. His efficiency was remarkable, completing nearly 92 percent of his attempts and averaging 10.6 yards per completion. Williams, who started the game, was perfect on his lone attempt for 75 yards and a score.

North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson completed 26 of 42 passes for 213 yards but failed to throw a touchdown. The Tar Heels' passing game managed just 5.1 yards per attempt compared to Clemson's 10.2, a disparity that defined the game's flow.

Randall emerged as Clemson's most versatile weapon. He caught four passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns while also contributing 30 yards on eight rushing attempts. Moore led all receivers with 108 yards on five catches, with his opening touchdown accounting for most of that production.

The third quarter passed without any scoring, as both offenses stalled. Clemson punted once and converted a 14-play drive into a field goal attempt that set up the fourth quarter scoring. North Carolina attempted a 50-yard field goal by Verhoff that sailed wide, one of the few times the Tar Heels ventured into Tiger territory during the second half.

Clemson added to its lead early in the fourth quarter when Nolan Hauser connected on a 27-yard field goal, capping a 14-play, 55-yard drive that consumed 5:20 of clock. The field goal came after the Tigers moved from their own 36 to the North Carolina 9-yard line before the drive stalled.

North Carolina's only touchdown came with 10:25 remaining when Benjamin Hall powered in from 11 yards out. The score completed a five-play, 75-yard drive that took 2:55, but by then Clemson led 38-3 and had inserted backup quarterback Christopher Vizzina into the game.

The Tigers' defense held North Carolina to 270 total yards, including just 57 on the ground. The Tar Heels averaged 3.2 yards per rush on 18 attempts, never establishing the ground game necessary to keep drives alive. North Carolina converted just two of 11 third-down attempts and failed on its only fourth-down try.

Clemson's offensive balance kept the Tar Heels' defense off-balance throughout. The Tigers accumulated 488 total yards, distributing the ball to 14 different receivers. Bentancur caught two passes for 53 yards and two scores, while Bryant Wesco Jr. added 42 yards on two receptions.

Defensively, Jaiden Patterson led North Carolina with six solo tackles, while Khmori House contributed seven total tackles with two unassisted. For Clemson, Tyler Venables and Sammy Brown each recorded five tackles, with Brown adding half a tackle for loss.

Key Performances

Clemson:

• Cade Klubnik: 22-of-24 passing, 254 yards, 4 TDs
• T.J. Moore: 5 receptions, 108 yards, 1 TD
• Adam Randall: 4 receptions, 73 yards, 2 TDs; 8 rushes, 30 yards
• Christian Bentancur: 2 receptions, 53 yards, 2 TDs

North Carolina:

• Max Johnson: 26-of-42 passing, 213 yards
• Benjamin Hall: 5 rushes, 24 yards, 1 TD; 1 reception, 14 yards
• Jordan Shipp: 5 receptions, 41 yards
• Jaiden Patterson: 6 solo tackles

CHARLOTTE – In a championship game that will be remembered for its heart-stopping finale, Clemson secured the ACC Football Championship with a dramatic 56-yard field goal by kicker Nolan Hauser as time expired, defeating SMU 34-31 in a rocking Bank of America Stadium that witnessed an instant classic.

The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with both teams trading blows in a contest that seemed destined to be decided in its final moments. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik emerged as the game's defining player, throwing for 262 yards and four touchdowns, while SMU's Kevin Jennings matched him with a gutsy 310-yard, three-touchdown performance that nearly carried his team to victory.

Photo Courtesy of the Atlantic Coast Confernce

Clemson started the game with lightning speed, scoring on its first two possessions and quickly building a 14-0 lead. Klubnik connected with tight end Bryant Wesco Jr. for a 35-yard touchdown on the Tigers' opening drive after an SMU fumble, then found Wesco again for a 43-yard scoring strike that seemed to put the game out of reach early.

But SMU refused to surrender. Quarterback Kevin Jennings orchestrated a pivotal 75-yard drive late in the first quarter, punctuated by his 24-yard rushing touchdown that breathed life into the Mustangs and cut the deficit to 14-7.

The first half continued as a showcase of offensive firepower, with Clemson extending its lead to 24-7 before SMU began to mount a comeback in the second half. Jennings, showing remarkable resilience, led his team back into contention. His 10-yard touchdown pass to Brashard Smith in the third quarter brought SMU within ten points, signaling the start of a dramatic fourth quarter.

With just over 13 minutes remaining, Jennings connected with Matthew Hibner for a 20-yard touchdown, pulling SMU to within 31-24. A subsequent field goal by Collin Rogers cut the lead to just four points, setting the stage for a breathtaking finish.

The game's final moments were a testament to the unpredictability of championship football. With just 16 seconds remaining, Jennings found Roderick Daniels Jr. for a 4-yard touchdown that seemingly pushed the game to overtime, tying the score at 31-31.

But Clemson had other plans. The Tigers' special teams unit and kicker Nolan Hauser would have the final say. An outstanding 61-yard kickoff return by Adam Randall got the Tigers across midfield. On the game's last play, the Charlotte native launched a remarkable 56-yard field goal that sailed through the uprights as time expired, giving Clemson a 34-31 victory and the ACC Championship.

"I mean, what a kick. I think it's the longest game-winning kick in Clemson history," Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said after the game. "I've been a part of some big ones, obviously the Catanzaro kick against LSU with two seconds on the clock and then this kick right here, I've been a part of some big ones. But that was huge, the protection, the snap, the hold, everything. And when he hit it, I went, oh, man. We were talking about overtime, trying to get our overtime plan ready to go, what we were going to do there, but as soon as he hit it and it cleared the line, I went, this thing has got a chance, and it just goes through. I'm just so happy for Nolan, right here, Charlotte kid, a freshman, and those are the type of things that -- those are the type of wins that really propel you."

Statistically, the game told a story of Clemson's balanced attack and resilience. The Tigers outgained SMU 458 to 326 yards, with a powerful rushing performance of 148 yards. Klubnik's four touchdown passes came without a single interception, while Bryant Wesco Jr. emerged as a key playmaker with eight receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns.

For SMU, Jennings was nothing short of heroic. Despite the loss, he completed 32 of 51 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns, adding a crucial 35 yards on the ground. Roderick Daniels Jr. led the receiving corps with eight catches for 97 yards, keeping the Mustangs competitive throughout the contest.

The game's defensive battle was equally compelling. Clemson's defense, led by Sammy Brown's 14 total tackles, created crucial stops and one interception. SMU's defense, anchored by Kobe Wilson's 15 total tackles, fought hard but couldn't completely contain Klubnik and the Clemson offense.

In the end, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney secured another championship, adding to his legacy of postseason success. The victory showcased the Tigers' ability to perform under pressure and their status as a perennial contender in college football's highest echelons. "It's fun to be a part of it, and it never gets old. But really happy for all those guys, all the way back, every single one, from the Dandy Dozen to this year's freshmen. They've all won a championship. But we've done it, again, by fulfilling the purpose that we've set out to do," Swinney mentioned after the game.

For SMU and head coach Rhett Lashlee, the loss was heartbreaking but not without merit. Their performance proved they belonged on this stage, pushing the conference’s best team of the last decade to the absolute limit in a game that will be discussed for years to come. "We have good players, but the secret sauce is they're a true team. I've said it. It's real. You feel it. That's why it hurts when they lose because they do everything the right way. They work hard. They trust each other. They love each other. They compete with each other. They have each other's back. They don't blame other people when they make a mistake. There's no finger-pointing," Lashlee said postgame. "They're just a true team. That's why I think they respond so well to everything. They'll respond well to this. They're hurting right now, but they'll respond well to this just like they did tonight coming back. I just think it's a special group. I've said it all year, it's been really, really fun to coach them, and I hope we're not done."

As the fireworks sparkled in the Charlotte skyline and Clemson celebrated, the ACC Championship game lived up to its billing – a thrilling, unpredictable contest decided in the most dramatic fashion possible, with Nolan Hauser's foot writing the final chapter of an unforgettable championship story.

Both teams played playoff-worthy football on Saturday night and will await their fate with the College Football Playoff committee on Sunday afternoon.

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.

CLEMSON – The 22nd-ranked Clemson Tigers made a resounding statement against Appalachian State, known for its power-conference upsets, with a commanding 66-20 victory at Memorial Stadium on Saturday night. This lopsided win came as a stark contrast to Clemson's season-opening 34-3 loss to top-ranked Georgia, where they had trailed 6-0 at halftime.

Clemson's offense was nearly unstoppable, particularly in the first half. The Tigers scored touchdowns on all eight of their first-half possessions, building an insurmountable 56-13 lead by halftime. Quarterback Cade Klubnik orchestrated the offensive onslaught with near-perfect execution, completing an impressive 24 of 26 passes for 378 yards and five touchdowns.

The fireworks started early for Clemson. On just the third play of the game, Klubnik connected with Bryant Wesco Jr. for a 76-yard touchdown pass on a third-and-11 situation. This explosive play set the tone for the rest of the game, as the Tigers' offense continued to fire on all cylinders.

Clemson's ground game was equally effective, with running back Phil Mafah leading the charge. Mafah rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries, including a spectacular 83-yard touchdown run. The Tigers' balanced attack kept the Appalachian State defense off-balance throughout the game.

Jake Briningstool was Klubnik's favorite target, hauling in seven receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Bryant Wesco Jr., despite having only three catches, made the most of his opportunities with 130 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Appalachian State's offense, which had shown promise in their previous outings against power-conference opponents, struggled to find rhythm against Clemson's stifling defense. Quarterback Joey Aguilar managed to throw for 213 yards and one touchdown but couldn't generate enough consistent offense to keep pace with Clemson's scoring barrage.

The Mountaineers' ground game, typically a strength, was largely contained. Anderson Castle led Appalachian State's rushing attack with 80 yards and a touchdown on seven carries, providing a rare bright spot for the visitors' offense.

Appalachian State showed signs of life in the second quarter when Castle scored on a 4-yard touchdown run, cutting into the deficit at 42-7. Kicker Michael Hughes added two field goals before halftime, extending his streak of consecutive made field goals to 14. However, these efforts proved insufficient against Clemson's relentless offense.

The Mountaineers opened the second half with a touchdown drive, capped by Aguilar's 17-yard touchdown pass to Makai Jackson. This reduced the deficit to 56-20, but it was too little, too late against the Tigers' overwhelming lead.

This loss drops Appalachian State to a 1-1 record for the season. It also breaks their recent trend of close games against power-conference opponents, as their previous eight such matchups had all been decided by seven points or less.

For Clemson, this victory evens their record at 1-1 and serves as a confidence booster after their disappointing season opener. The Tigers' dominant performance showcases their potential and sets a positive tone as they move forward in their campaign.

Appalachian State will look to rebound from this defeat as they prepare for their next game, an in-state matchup at East Carolina (2-0) scheduled for 4 p.m. in Greenville.

COLUMBIA, SC – In a thrilling second-round NCAA Division II playoff game, Lenoir-Rhyne emerged victorious over Benedict, whose #1 seed in the region allowed them to host the second-round game. Homefield advantage was not enough for the Tigers as the visiting Bears were able leave Columbia with a 35-25 victory.

How it Happened

The first quarter saw Lenoir-Rhyne's Dwayne McGee run 29 yards for a touchdown, followed by an extra point from Jake Brown. However, Benedict quickly retaliated with two touchdowns from Reginald Harden, who ran 58 yards and 87 yards respectively.

In the second quarter, Zayvion Turner-Knox from Lenoir-Rhyne ran 4 yards for a touchdown, with an extra point added by Jake Brown. Benedict's Aeneas Dennis completed a pass to Caden High, who ran 29 yards for a touchdown, with Tom Piccirillo securing the extra point.

The third quarter saw Lenoir-Rhyne take the lead with two touchdowns. Sean White completed passes to Songa Yates and John Godwin, who ran 21 yards and 26 yards respectively for touchdowns, with Jake Brown adding the extra points.

In the final quarter, Zayvion Turner-Knox ran 2 yards for a touchdown, with Jake Brown adding the extra point. Benedict's Aeneas Dennis completed a pass to Reginald Harden, who ran 36 yards for a touchdown.

Playmakers

Lenoir-Rhyne's Dwayne McGee had an impressive game, rushing 216 yards from 21 attempts and scoring one touchdown. Zayvion Turner-Knox also contributed significantly, rushing 45 yards from 8 attempts and scoring two touchdowns. In the passing game, Sean White completed 27 out of 35 attempts, throwing for 310 yards and two touchdowns.

On the receiving end, Kelin Parsons caught 6 passes for 103 yards, while Songa Yates caught 4 passes for 48 yards and one touchdown. Deondre Lester and Tate O'bryan also contributed to the receiving game.

On the defensive side, Jon Ross Maye led the team with 11 total tackles, while C'darius Kelley made 2 solo tackles.

What’s Next

This victory propels fourth-seeded Lenoir-Rhyne into the national quarterfinals, with a matchup against region #3 Valdosta State, who upset the number two seed Delta State, 38-31, on Saturday afternoon.

RALEIGH – The NC State Wolfpack delivered an electrifying performance at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, securing a 24-17 victory over the Clemson Tigers in a game that had the Wolfpack faithful in a frenzy of excitement when the final horn sounded. With this win, head coach Dave Doeren celebrated his 100th career victory and tied the program record for most wins with 77, alongside Earle Edwards, who set the mark in 1970.

Freshman sensation KC Concepcion stole the show, notching two crucial touchdowns and showcasing his incredible versatility. Concepcion hauled in a 72-yard touchdown pass from quarterback MJ Morris, capping off a remarkable catch-and-run in the third quarter. His performance didn't stop there, as he also led the team in rushing, accumulating 51 yards on the ground.

The game began with a nine-yard touchdown connection between Morris and Concepcion, giving NC State an early 7-0 lead. The Wolfpack extended their lead with a 41-yard field goal from Brayden Narveson after an impressive 55-yard drive. Clemson managed to narrow the gap with a one-yard rushing touchdown from Phil Mafah, bringing the score to 10-7 in favor of NC State.

Just before halftime, Clemson had an opportunity to level the score with a field goal, but an NC State timeout disrupted their plans, keeping the score at 10-7. The Wolfpack defense stepped up in a big way, with Payton Wilson making a spectacular 15-yard interception return for a touchdown, giving NC State a 17-7 lead.

NC State's offensive momentum continued, with Morris and Concepcion connecting once again for a 72-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to its largest margin of the day. While Clemson managed to put together 10 consecutive points, it wasn't enough to overcome the Wolfpack's lead.

The Wolfpack defense played a pivotal role in this victory, forcing two turnovers, securing two sacks, and making nine tackles for a loss. Linebacker Sean Brown led the defensive effort with 11 tackles, and Jaylon Scott was right behind with 10 tackles.

The victory marks the second straight time NC State has defeated Clemson at home, and the first time since 2011 that the Tigers have lost back-to-back games. The Wolfpack now stands at 5-3 (2-2 ACC), moving within one game of securing a bowl berth.

Up next, NC State will face Miami in another crucial ACC matchup at Carter-Finley on Saturday, November 4, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m., broadcast on the ACC Network. The Wolfpack faithful have every reason to be excited about their team's resurgence after this impressive win over Clemson.

 CHARLOTTE – Both the Clemson Tigers and North Carolina Tar Heels came into Saturday night’s ACC Championship Game off losses to their rivals and looking for a big win to secure a New Year’s Six bowl berth. Clemson's streak of six straight conference titles was snapped in 2021 and the Tigers were looking to reclaim their spot atop the conference. North Carolina was making its second trip to the conference title game and looking for its first title since 1980. The two schools met in the 2015 championship game with Clemson taking the title, 45-37. The 2022 edition of this matchup would not have the same fireworks with the Clemson Tigers overcoming a slow start to eventually blow away the Tar Heels, 39-10, in front of a raucous crowd of 64,115.

North Carolina opened the game strong, forcing a three-and-out on defense and then marching seventy-eight yards on eleven plays to land on the scoreboard first with a Drake Maye three-yard keeper. The Tar Heels were unable to maintain the early upper hand, though, as the UNC offense could only muster three more points the rest of the evening.

Former Weddington standout RB Will Shipley stretches for the pylon. Photo Credit: ACC Media Services

Dabo Swinney’s decision to swap quarterbacks paid dividends for the fifteenth-year head coach. After starting sluggishly on offense, Cade Klubnik came into the game on the third drive and the Tigers’ offense began to roar. Completing his first ten passes, including a one-yard touchdown toss to Davis Allen, catching a pass to set up a Phil Mafah rushing touchdown, and taking one in himself for another score, the freshman signal caller paced the Tigers to a three-score halftime lead.

Just when it looked like the Tar Heels were about to get back in the game in the third quarter, Clemson quarterback Nate Wiggins stepped in front of a pass at the two-yard line and raced the ninety-eight yards to the end zone for the spectacular pick-six. At this point, the rout was on and the only enemy of the Tigers was the clock.

Notable North Carolinians

Drake Maye (Myers Park) – the redshirt freshman passed for 268 yards and rushed for the Tar Heels’ lone touchdown

Will Shipley (Weddington) the sophomore running back scored a touchdown in the third quarter.

Trenton Simpson (Mallard Creek) the junior linebacker had eight tackles, including 1.5 for a loss and two quarterback hurries.

Up Next

Clemson (11-2) will represent the ACC in the Orange Bowl while North Carolina (9-4) will learn its bowl assignment on Sunday afternoon.

CLEMSON – The No. 10 NC State football team dropped its first game of the season in a 30-20 defeat at No. 5 Clemson Saturday night at the Tigers' Memorial Stadium.

Devin Leary led the Pack with two passing touchdowns on 28 of 47 passing. Leary also ran for a score. Thayer Thomas led the team with nine receptions for eighty-four yards. Linebacker Payton Wilson was the defensive leader for NC State with eleven tackles, including six solo stops, and a tackle for loss.

Up Next

NC State hosts Florida State next Saturday night on ACC Network.

WINSTON-SALEM – Wake Forest University's fourth sellout crowd (32,903) in its last five games inside Truist Field witnessed a double-overtime classic between No. 16 Wake Forest and No. 5 Clemson. In front of a national television audience on ABC, the Demon Deacons battled the Tigers to the wire and eventually fell in double overtime, 51-45. 

Wake Forest amassed 447 yards on offense and redshirt junior quarterback Sam Hartman tossed a Demon Deacons record six touchdowns. The six touchdown passes marked the most against the Clemson Tigers since current Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields threw six of his own on Jan. 1, 2021 in the Sugar Bowl. Additionally on Saturday, the Charlotte native finished 20-of-29 passing for 337 yards to go along with the half-dozen scores.  

Sophomore wideout Jahmal Banks caught a pair of touchdown passes for the second-straight game and redshirt sophomore Donavon Greene reeled in his first touchdown pass since Nov. 14, 2020 against North Carolina. Also with his eight-yard touchdown catch in the first overtime, redshirt junior wide receiver A.T. Perry tallied his 19th-career scoring grab which ties him for seventh in program history and gives him sole possession of first place among wideouts in the Dave Clawson era.

Overall this season, Wake Forest's offense has been unstoppable and has now set a new scoring record with 171 points through four games. The 45 points that the Deacs tallied on Saturday marked their highest total against the Tigers since Nov. 1, 2003 (45 points) and the most points Clemson has allowed since Nov. 7, 2020 at Notre Dame.

Defensively, captains Ryan Smenda, Jr. and Chase Jones each recorded a game-high nine tackles, respectively. The Demon Deacons defense totaled six tackles-for-loss, six pass breakups, eight quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. 

Up Next

Wake Forest travels to take on Florida State next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on ABC. The Deacs next return to Truist Field on Oct. 8 vs. Army.

Story courtesy of Wake Forest Athletics

Last Meeting

Players to Watch

What the Coaches are Saying

“Memphis is a very, very talented football team that’s also coached well. We’ve been against speed before and this team is a fast team as well. This is probably the most skilled football team. We talk about speed a whole lot; this team has done a good job. Coach [Mike] Norvell has done a good job putting together a team that is skilled on offense. When you look at what [Riley] Ferguson is able to do with his arm, he extends plays and he has probably one of the more exciting players at receiver [Anthony] Miller. On tape he can stretch the field with speed, run exceptional routes, catch the quicks and make people miss. So we’ll have our hands full with him and we’re looking forward to the challenge." 

“They’ve done a really good job on defense of making sure that their offense always has the chance to keep the pressure on the team that they’re playing against. I think throughout the year you can see that they are playing with fewer returners on defense than they are on offense and they are continuing to get better. I see coach working both sides of the ball to play new people. But this is a football team that has played well, played with skill and will continue to get better. This is a team that you look at and from a skill standpoint, you have to get to this level to be able to compete for championships in this league and they’ve done a really, really good job at it.”

Worth Mentioning

Clemson and South Florida Accept Bids to 2010 Meineke Car Care Bowl

Will Face Each Other in Charlotte on New Year’s Eve

Charlotte, N.C. – The Clemson Tigers, representing the Atlantic Coast Conference, will face the South Florida Bulls from the Big East Conference in the 2010 Meineke Car Care Bowl, it was announced today by bowl officials. Clemson will be making their first appearance in the game, while South Florida returns for the second time, and first since 2005.

College football’s first bowl game to call the Carolinas home, the Meineke Car Care Bowl will take place on Friday, December 31st at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. and the game will be televised on ESPN.

“We are tremendously excited to have Clemson University and the University of South Florida in the 2010 Meineke Car Care Bowl,” said Will Webb, Executive Director. “Both teams have played extremely hard this year with every game being very competitive. We feel that the Tigers and Bulls will be a very entertaining and compelling matchup on the field for everyone watching. We look forward to hosting everyone in Charlotte on New Year’s eve for this exciting game and all the surrounding events.”

Clemson finished the season with a 6-6 overall record (4-4 in the ACC, tied for third in the Atlantic Division. The Tigers defeated bowl-bound NC State, Maryland and Georgia Tech. Three of their four conference losses were by less than a touchdown. In addition, they lost to #1-ranked Auburn by just three points in overtime.

South Florida finished the regular season with a 7-5 record (3-4 in the Big East, tied for third place). Three of the Bulls four conference losses were by less than a touchdown, including a three-point loss to BCS-bound UConn. South Florida defeated bowl-eligible Louisville and in-state rival Miami.

Tickets for the Meineke Car Care Bowl are on sale now and only available through TicketMaster and the participating schools. Upper Level Seats begin at just $40. To purchase individual tickets, please visit any TicketMaster outlet in the southeast or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

To order from TicketMaster by phone, call 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Carolina Panthers Box Office, located at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

The first college bowl game to call the Carolinas home, the Meineke Car Care Bowl has averaged over 60,000 fans each year with three sellouts in its eight years. In addition, the game has reached over 22 million television households. In 2003, it was named one of the five-best start-ups in sports over the past five years by the Sports Business Journal, behind only the NFL Houston Texans and ESPN the Magazine.

For more information, please visit www.MeinekeCarCareBowl.com.

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Statement from Clemson Athletic Director Dr. Terry Don Phillips:

“We are delighted for the opportunity to play in the Meineke Car Care Bowl against South Florida. The great support our fans have shown through communication to the Meineke Car Care Bowl was very convincing and we appreciate the outstanding support of our fans. That strong support was significant in its decision. It is great exposure to play on New Year’s Eve and we are looking forward to playing a good, solid team in South Florida, who narrowly lost to Big East Champion Connecticut on Saturday.”

Statement from Clemson Head Football Coach Dabo Swinny:

“We are excited about playing South Florida in Charlotte in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. It’s a great situation for our fans. One of the main reasons we were selected for this bowl is because of our great fan support and the passion of our fans.

“We’ve never played in the Meineke Car Care Bowl, so we look forward to representing our school and conference during the week and on gameday. We haven’t won bowl games in back-to-back seasons since 1989-90, so hopefully we can accomplish that feat and end the season on a positive note.

“South Florida presents us with an outstanding matchup. Skip Holtz has done a great job in his first year as head coach of the Bulls. They beat Miami (FL), who beat us, so it will be a great matchup and we look forward to playing them in the bowl game.”

Statement from USF Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Doug Woolard:

“It's a great honor to be selected by the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Executive Director Will Webb, Charlotte Collegiate Football and the wonderful volunteers associated with the bowl have established a terrific reputation for hosting a game and event that is truly first class. We had the opportunity to experience their hospitality firsthand, when we made our inaugural bowl trip to Charlotte in 2005. Our fans had a wonderful time and there is no doubt they will be very excited to return.”

“Currently, our program is riding a wave of momentum behind first-year head coach Skip Holtz. I think people around the country recognize that and it was reflected in our selection by the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Coach Holtz has done a magnificent job with this football team and program in just a short time. He has provided outstanding leadership from day one and built a very competitive product on the field. I am so proud of our football team. They have shown tremendous character throughout the year and the young men and their outstanding coaching staff are very, very deserving of this opportunity.”

Statement from USF Head Football Coach Skip Holtz:

“I’m extremely excited for this coaching staff, these players and our fan base about having the opportunity to play in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. This group has worked extremely hard throughout the year, so a trip to Charlotte is the perfect way to finish off the season. I’ve been fortunate enough to have many great bowl experiences during my career and I hear that the Meineke Car Care Bowl is as good as any bowl in the country. It is a first-class operation and we’re really excited to have the opportunity to represent the BIG EAST conference. We’re looking forward to a great week and a great game in Charlotte.”