On the waste of the day, Clemson soccer needed to pause some extra work.
The No. 5 Tigers (4-0, 2-0 Atlantic Waft Conference) needed to forestall after class for two extra lessons, however got here out with mostly genuine grades on our file card after a 51-45 double-time previous law victory towards No. 16 Wake Wooded space (3-1, 0-1) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Here is how we graded issues:
Offense: A
Clemson started strong with a 14-0 lead and there modified into a lull for some time after that. However the Tigers carried out with 559 yards. Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei had the correct game of his profession, counting those excellent performances as a freshman filling in for Trevor Lawrence, going 26-of-41 for 371 yards with 5 touchdowns and no interceptions. Will Shipley ran 20 occasions for 104 yards and a landing.
Defense: D
Here is the negate: Clemson’s defensive backs had a depressing day without three key avid gamers who were out with injuries. Even when the Tigers were in a command to web a pass speed, the guys covering broad receivers seemed overmatched. They committed pass interference penalties, bought overwhelmed on patterns or each and every. Clemson desperately must web Andrew Mukuba, Sheridan Jones and Malcolm Greene abet on the sector rapidly. However the more than just a few guys must web better.
Particular teams: A-
Space-kicker B.T. Potter’s initials ought to tranquil stand for Previous Right. He made a profession-excessive 52-yard field aim at the waste of law. He’s a excellent 8-for-10 on kicks from previous 50 yards. He nailed a pair of chip photos, after all by his requirements, from 34 and 28 yards. Punter Aidan Swanson shanked a 21-yarder and one other that modified into a line power that may per chance possibly per chance well’ve been harmful. No errors on the returns. Overall genuine day.
Coaching: B-
The defense had its issues in pass protection as soon as more, however that did no longer appear to be a teaching problem. The offense, while strong, had a routine play call on third-and-2 as the upright-handed Uiagalelei rolled left and eliminated many of the receiving probabilities. Clemson additionally had a effective red-zone opportunity in the fundamental half however left Shipley on the sideline. Backup Phil Mafah busted a play. On fourth-and-2, it may per chance most likely per chance per chance well’ve been wonderful to luxuriate in Shipley in there to pause one thing as yet every other of settling for field aim.
Overall: B
As they are saying at some stage in the NCAA basketball March Madness, continue to exist and come. Clemson did ample to beat the defending Atlantic Division champion of the ACC and now is as a lot as speed of what occurs. Masses to toughen upon, however a victory care for this, irrespective of the plan it came about, can pause nothing however give the Tigers a boost.
Todd Shanesy covers Clemson athletics for the USA TODAY Network.
