Sports in The Carolinas

The No. 25 Clemson Tigers bounced back in spectacular fashion from their season-opening loss, demolishing the Appalachian State Mountaineers 66-20 in a game that showcased the Tigers' offensive firepower.

 Klubnik's Career Night

Quarterback Cade Klubnik led the charge with a historic performance, throwing for a career-high 378 yards and five touchdowns. The sophomore signal-caller completed an impressive 24 of 26 passes, silencing critics after a lackluster showing in the season opener against Georgia.

Offensive Explosion

Clemson's offense was firing on all cylinders, amassing a staggering 712 total yards, including 525 in the first half alone—a program first. The Tigers scored touchdowns on all eight of their first-half drives, building an insurmountable 56-13 lead by halftime.

Standout Performances

Several Tigers had noteworthy performances:

- Bryant Wesco Jr. caught passes for 131 yards, including a 76-yard reception early in the game[3].

- Phil Mafah contributed an 83-yard touchdown run, the longest for Clemson since 2019[3].

- Tight end Jake Briningstool caught two touchdown passes of 41 and 17 yards[3].

Appalachian State's Struggles

The Mountaineers, typically a tough opponent for Power Five teams, struggled to contain Clemson's offensive onslaught. Quarterback Joey Aguilar, the Sun Belt's preseason offensive player of the year, faced relentless pressure from Clemson's defensive line, completing just 18 of 41 passes for 214 yards and one touchdown.

Looking Ahead

This dominant performance was exactly what Clemson needed after their disappointing season opener. While one game doesn't erase all concerns, it certainly boosted confidence in the Tigers' offensive capabilities. For Appalachian State, this game serves as a learning experience as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against East Carolina.

The victory snapped App State's impressive eight-game streak of one-score results against "Power 4" teams, marking their most lopsided loss to a major program since 2017. Despite the setback, the Mountaineers still received a $1.25 million payout for their trip to Death Valley.

As Clemson looks to build on this momentum, and Appalachian State aims to regroup, both teams will undoubtedly use this game as a catalyst for improvement as they progress through their respective 2024 seasons.