Setting the Stage for Boston College Matchup
On a crisp Saturday night in Chestnut Hill, Clemson entered Alumni Stadium wearing something a little different, the iconic orange britches. It marked the earliest appearance of the championship-style pants since 2014, signaling that this game meant a little more than usual.
With the O’Rourke-McFadden Trophy on the line, Clemson (2–3, 1–2 ACC) rolled into the matchup fresh off a commanding 38–10 win over North Carolina, hoping to build some much-needed momentum. On the other side, Boston College (1–4, 0–3 ACC) was reeling from a 48–7 loss to Pitt and looking to avoid falling deeper into the ACC basement.
What unfolded Saturday night was a statement win for the Tigers, one where Cade Klubnik and the Clemson offense came out firing, the defense dominated, and the orange britches looked as good as advertised.
First Quarter: Clemson Starts Hot
Boston College won the toss and deferred, giving Clemson the first crack at it. The Tigers methodically marched down the field on a 13-play, six-and-a-half-minute drive that chewed up plenty of clock but stalled on 4th and 1 after Cade Klubnik was sacked for a three-yard loss.
Clemson still came away with points, as kicker Nolan Hauser drilled a 46-yard field goal to open the scoring. After the Tiger defense forced a quick three-and-out, Klubnik and the offense found their rhythm.
In just six plays, Clemson covered 67 yards, capping off the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run from Adam Randall, who powered up the middle to make it 10–0.
Boston College responded with a 45-yard field goal of their own to get on the board, but by the time the first quarter closed, Clemson was already on the move again, controlling both the tempo and the tone.
Second Quarter: Tigers Take Complete Control
Early in the second quarter, Clemson added to its lead in a memorable way, defensive lineman Peter Woods checked in at fullback and muscled his way into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown. The big man celebrating on the sideline said it all. The Tigers were rolling, up 17–3.
Boston College managed to fight back briefly. A long drive highlighted by chunk plays and a pass interference call on Clemson’s Ronan Hanafin set up a short 2-yard rushing score from RB Turbo Richard, cutting the lead to 17–10.
But from there, it was all Clemson. Klubnik engineered a smooth 9-play, 68-yard drive, finishing it himself on a 6-yard rushing touchdown to push the score to 24–10.
The Tiger defense followed with a tone-setting moment, linebacker Sammy Brown forced a fumble on BC’s quarterback, and defensive end T.J. Parker pounced on it to flip momentum back Clemson’s way.
Just two plays later, Klubnik showed off his arm with back-to-back bombs: a 32-yard strike to tight end Josh Sapp, followed by a gorgeous 38-yard touchdown to Bryant Wesco Jr. in the corner of the end zone.
As the half closed, Clemson wasn’t done. With just 12 seconds remaining, Hauser stepped up again and nailed a 50-yard field goal to send the Tigers into halftime up 34–10.
At the break, Clemson had 333 total yards, 244 through the air and 89 on the ground. Klubnik was nearly perfect, completing 18 of 23 passes with one passing and one rushing score. Wesco Jr. led all receivers with 106 yards and a touchdown, while Antonio Williams chipped in with 53 yards on five catches. Sammy Brown led the way defensively with seven tackles.
Third Quarter: Defense Dominates, Klubnik Exits
Boston College opened the second half with a quick three-and-out, capped by a sack from Jaheim Lawson, and Clemson’s offense picked up where it left off, converting two straight fourth downs to keep the drive alive.
But not everything went smoothly. Klubnik threw his first interception of the game to BC defensive back KP Price, giving the Eagles a glimmer of hope. The Tiger defense quickly snuffed that out, forcing another three-and-out thanks to a big Peter Woods sack on third down.
A few plays later, Klubnik took a hit on a short scramble and was slow to get up. He headed to the injury tent and didn’t return, though he appeared fine on the sideline. With Clemson holding a commanding lead,backup quarterback Christopher Vizzina stepped in for the remainder of the game.
His first drive ended abruptly with an interception in the end zone, and the third quarter came to a close without any scoring, but the game was well in hand.
Fourth Quarter: Finishing Strong
The Clemson defense continued its dominance, forcing yet another three-and-out to open the fourth. A special teams miscue briefly gave Boston College life when two Tiger players collided on a punt, allowing the Eagles to recover.
That momentum didn’t last long,safety Ricardo Jones picked off a pass in the back of the end zone, killing the drive and giving the ball right back to the Tigers.
Boston College later turned to backup quarterback Shaker Reisig, but Clemson’s defensive line stayed relentless. Defensive lineman Champ Thompson delivered a late sack on fourth down to force another turnover on downs.
Finally, with just 24 seconds remaining, running back Keith Adams Jr. found the end zone on a 1-yard run,Clemson’s only touchdown of the second half, to seal the 41–10 victory.
Final Stats
Clemson’s offense finished with 504 total yards, split between 278 passing and 226 rushing. Klubnik completed 22 of 30 passes for 280 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while also adding 48 yards and a score on the ground. Randall and Adams Jr. each added rushing touchdowns, and Wesco Jr. led the receiving corps with 106 yards and a touchdown.
On defense, Sammy Brown again led the way with seven total tackles. For Boston College, quarterback Dylan Lonergan threw for 117 yards, Turbo Richard totaled 75 yards and a touchdown on the ground, and Lewis Bond hauled in seven catches for 70 yards. KP Price was a bright spot for BC with 14 tackles and an interception.
Game Takeaways
1. Cade Klubnik looked sharp again.
The senior quarterback put together one of his cleanest halves of the season, throwing with confidence and rhythm. His chemistry with Wesco Jr. and Williams continues to grow each week.
2. Clemson’s young playmakers are emerging.
Players like Sammy Brown, Ricardo Jones, and Bryant Wesco Jr. made major contributions. The youth movement is real, and promising for the Tigers’ future.
3. The defense is back in form.
Holding Boston College to just 221 total yards and forcing multiple turnovers showed the unit’s physicality and discipline. Peter Woods, T.J. Parker, and Champ Thompson all made big plays up front.
4. Orange britches energy.
Wearing the orange pants early in the season could’ve been seen as risky, but Clemson backed it up. The Tigers looked like a team ready to fight for something bigger, and this game might just be the spark they needed heading into the heart of ACC play.
What’s Next
Clemson returns home next weekend for a rematch of last year’s ACC Championship as they take on SMU at 3:30 p.m. on the ACC Network, looking to ride this momentum into the second half of the season.
If the Tigers play with the same balance, toughness, and swagger they showed in Chestnut Hill, there may be a lot more orange britches moments ahead.
