Clemson Wins Overtime thriller at Truist Field

What. A. Game. The No. 5 ranked Clemson clinched a tough overtime 51-45  win against No. 21 ranked Wake Forest. The game was won in double-overtime with a defensive stop by Tigers sophomore cornerback, Nate Wiggins. With this victory, the Tigers add another win to their 14 game streak against the Deacons.

WHAT A WAY TO START WEEK 4 🏈

No. 5 Clemson beats No. 21 Wake Forest in a big 2OT thriller on the road! pic.twitter.com/xxT2M09SGz

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 24, 2022

Despite the loss, the Deacons gave Clemson a run for their money. They started off slow, with their first two drives resulting in a punt. On their third drive, quarterback Sam Hartman connected with sophomore wide receiver, Jahmal Banks, for a 36 yard touchdown pass. The Deacons would go on to score one more time before the half, as they hanged tight to Clemson, trailing 20-14.

Throughout the second half, Wake Forest would lead the game until the end of the fourth quarter, when Clemson scored a field goal with 4:01 left on the clock, to tie the game 38-38. The game would go into overtime, with Wake Forest getting the ball first. 

Overtime excitement

The Deacons started overtime by driving ball all the way to the Clemson eight yard line, where Sam Hartman connected with junior wide receiver, A.T Perry, for an 8 yard touchdown pass. Clemson responded with a touchdown of their own, as quarterback DJ Uiagalelei connected with sophomore wide receiver, Beaux Collins, for a 21 yard touchdown. The game then went into double overtime, with Clemson getting the ball back.

The Tigers started by driving all the way down to Wake’s 26 yard line, where DJ Uiagalelei connecting with senior tight end, Davis Allen, for a 21 yard touchdown. The Deacons got the ball back at the Clemson 25 yard line. On their fourth down, Sam Hartman threw a pass intended for junior wide receiver, A.T. Perry, which unfortunately for the Deacons, got deflected by Tigers Cornerback, Nate Wiggins.

When it matters most. Make the play. pic.twitter.com/7qIno3YDoE

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) September 24, 2022

Top performers: Clemson

DJ Uiagalelei had his best performance of the season, going 26/41 on his passes for 371 yards and 5 touchdowns, including the 21 yard touchdown pass for Beaux Collins to take the game to overtime. He finished as the teams second leading scorer, as he rushed for 52 yards on 14 carries. He kept the Tigers in the game as the defense struggled to stop the Deacons.

Sophomore running-back Will Shipley put on a show, as he rushed for 104 yards on 20 carries for a touchdown. On Clemsons first drive, he had a 53 yard run to put them at Wake’s 35 yard line. His touchdown came on 1 yard run early during the fourth quarter.

Top performers: Wake Forest 

Sam Hartman put a heroic performance, as he threw for 337 yards and six touchdowns to set a program record. He took advantage of an inexperienced Tigers secondary, as he was able to connect with his receivers on 20 of his 29 throws. On top of that he rushed eight times for a total of 10 yards.

The Deacon’s wide receivers had a great performance, as they helped put points on the board. Jahmal Banks had one of his best games ever, as the sophomore was able to catch six receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore Donovan Greene was able to make his prescience felt, as he had two catches for 53 yards and 

What’s next

Clemson looks to continue their undefeated win streak vs. ACC opponents. They have a tough schedule ahead of them, as they face two Nationally Ranked teams in No. 10 NC St. and No. 23 Florida St. Both of these teams are in the ACC, and wins against them would help the Tiger’s chances of making it to the ACC championship, and maybe even the CFB Playoffs.

Wake Forest drops to No. 22 in the rankings after this tough loss. The look to improve on their schedule, as they prepare to face Nationally Ranked Florida St. next Saturday.

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