For two quarters, Clemson looked flat. The Tigers’ offense sputtered, the pass rush was quiet, there was a 90-minute weather delay and Troy hung around longer than expected. Only after halftime did Clemson finally find rhythm, capitalizing on turnovers and red-zone chances to seal a 27–16 win. The victory counts, but the first-half struggles underscored a team still searching for consistency on both sides of the ball.
Offense (73 PFF)
Clemson’s offense showed flashes of balance but remains inconsistent,
particularly in the trenches.
Run Game (67 PFF):
The Tigers managed 120 yards on 31 attempts (3.9 YPC), but over 70 of those came in the 3rd and 4th quarters. RB Adam Randall carried the load with 21 rushes for 112 yards (5.3 YPC), one TD, and one fumble. Notably, 20 of Clemson’s 31 runs were on the perimeter, producing 107 yards at 5.3 YPC. Explosiveness was limited, with just four runs over 10 yards, though Randall broke a 30-yarder.
Pass Game (90 PFF):
QB Cade Klubnik delivered a better performance, completing 18 of 24 passes for 192 yards, two TDs, and one INT (91 PFF). His time to throw dropped from 2.75 to 2.43 seconds, reflecting both improved protection and an emphasis on quick game and throws to the RB. WR Bryant Wesco starred with seven catches for 118 yards and two TDs, while Tyler Brown added 45 yards. Klubnik was much better against the blitz, completing 75% of passes whether pressured or not. He also connected on both deep attempts for 60 yards and two scores.
Blocking:
Run blocking continues to be the offense’s weak spot (59 PFF), with all linemen grading between 52–64. Pass protection, however, improved significantly (70 PFF vs. 54 in Week 1). RG Elyjah Thurman (84 PFF) and RT Blake Miller (81 PFF) stood out.
Defense (74 PFF)
The defense once again carried Clemson, limiting Troy to field goals and creating key turnovers.
Run Defense (78 PFF):
The Tigers bottled up Troy’s ground game, holding them to 78 yards on 32 carries (2.4 YPC). The only blemishes were two explosive runs, including a 28-yarder.
Pass Rush (56 PFF):
The front struggled to generate consistent pressure, posting pressure on just 20% of the dropbacks. They did sack the QB three times, but overall this remains the defense’s soft spot.
Coverage (77 PFF):
The secondary shined, intercepting three passes (S Hannafin, S Jones, CB Hampton) and limiting Troy to just two explosive completions. LB Wade Woodaz (84 PFF) and CB Ashton Hampton (81 PFF) were standouts.
Tackling (77 PFF):
Seven starters graded above 70, led by Woodaz (83). This was another strong area and an improvement from Week 1.
Special Teams
A strong performance from the specialists was a silver lining. The punter spot seems better than expected.
- K Nolan Hauser: Perfect day (2/2 FGs, 3/3 XPs).
- P Jack Smith: Averaged 45 yards per punt (44.7 net), including another 50-plus yarder.
- RB Randall: 30-yard kickoff return.
Situational & Efficiency Metrics
- Time of Possession: Troy +6 minutes (33:01–26:59), helped by Clemson’s five short drives of four plays or fewer
- Penalties: Troy kept hurting itself and extending Clemson drives with 10 penalties for 97 yards. Clemson was penalized only 3 for 30 yards
- Third Down: Clemson 5/12 (42%), up from the LSU game but below 2024’s 46%. Troy was 5/13 (38%).
- Finishing Drives: Clemson averaged 5.3 points per trip inside the 40 (3 TD, 1 FG). Troy averaged just 2.3 (3 FG, 1 turnover).
- Red Zone: Clemson 3/3 (100%, 2 TDs, 1 FG); Troy 3/4 (75%, no TDs).
- Field Position: Clemson’s average start was its own 33 (aided by INTs in plus territory), Troy’s average start was their own 25
- Havoc Rate (TFL + sacks + INT + forced fumbles / total plays): Clemson’s defense (16%) was much more disruptive than Troy’s (4%).
Key Takeaways
- Situational dominance — Better red-zone efficiency, field position, and generating turnovers separated Clemson from Troy
- Offense improving but uneven — Klubnik looked better, but the run game and O-line remain inconsistent. Is Clemson the team we saw in the first six quarters of the season or the last two?
- Rush Defense – declined from the LSU game, but remains solid with excellent GT rushing attack on the horizon.
