Clemson football, Dabo Swinney send message to ACC, more overreactions vs NC State
CLEMSON — In its first ACC game this season, No. 19 Clemson football dominated NC State, winning 59-35 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
The Tigers' offense didn't miss a beat after its Week 3 open date, scoring on its first four possessions and logging 45 points in the first half. Defensively, Clemson (2-1, 1-0 ACC)) shined without defensive lineman Peter Woods, forcing three turnovers and recording two sacks to rout the Wolfpack (2-2, 0-1).
Here are three overreactions from Clemson's first conference win of the season:
Clemson football is still the top team in the ACC
The Tigers sent a message to the ACC in Saturday's win, showcasing they are still a threat in the conference.
Clemson outgained the Wolfpack 408-164 in the first half, including outrushing them 228-29. It led 28-0 at the end of the first quarter and scored on seven of its eight drives. Quarterback Cade Klubnik was efficient and kept the explosive plays coming, going 16-for-24 passing for 209 yards and 70 yards rushing with four total touchdowns (one rushing).
Defensively, the Tigers stifled NC State freshman quarterback CJ Bailey. They sent blitzes that generated sacks and forced three turnovers (two fumbles, one interception).
MORE: Clemson vs NC State score today: Live updates, highlights from Week 4 game
Clemson football's T.J. Parker is team's best pass rusher
With Woods out, the Tigers needed someone to step up. They found that production with T.J. Parker, who was tied for the most sacks on the team last year.
Parker recorded five tackles, including two sacks and a forced fumble, against NC State. Clemson entered Saturday's game with only two sacks, and the defensive end matched that production by himself vs. the Wolfpack.
In the first half, the Tigers allowed 29 rushing yards and 135 passing yards. Parker led the defensive line's dominance in the trenches and must continue to do so if Woods will miss more time.
Clemson football's Jay Haynes has emerged No. 2 running back
Clemson was searching for a No. 2 running back behind Phil Mafah and has found one with Haynes. The redshirt freshman replaced Mafah, who exited with an injury in the first quarter but returned to the game, and took advantage of his opportunities.
Haynes finished with 42 rushing yards on eight carries, including a 19-yard touchdown on a delayed handoff in the second quarter. He helped in pass protection and receiving downs, too, logging two catches for 17 yards. His production was huge to showcase there is depth behind Mafah.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football: Tigers dominate NC State in first ACC game
