CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik threw for four touchdowns and ran for another and the Tigers’ defense had three interceptions in a 40-14 victory over Stanford on Saturday night.
The Tigers stopped the Cardinal (2-2, 1-1) three times inside the Clemson 20, two on interceptions and the last when safety R.J. Mickens forced Emmett Mosley V out of bounds on fourth-and-5 at the Clemson 10 with the Tigers up just 20-7.
Clemson’s defense stopped the Cardinal on downs three times despite giving up 361 yards, 236 of that rushing.
The Tigers held Stanford to 71 yards passing through three quarters with quarterback Ashton Daniels going just 9 of 19 before he was helped off the field in the fourth after Clemson stopped him short on fourth-and-1.
Klubnik put things away a moment later with his final scoring pass, a 34-yard throw to dynamic freshman Bryant Wesco Jr. for a 33-7 lead.
Clemson looked like it was off to another fast start when it forced a fumble on Stanford’s opening drive and Klubnik ran for a 34-yard TD.
But the Cardinal did what Appalachian State and N.C. State couldn’t — push the Tigers’ defense to the limit when it mattered most. Clemson, though, did not break as both drives inside the red zone ended on a Daniels interception, the first in the end zone by Avieon Terrell and the other inside the Clemson 10 by Jeadyn Lukus.
For the Cardinal, Micah Ford had a breakout game, rushing for 122 yards on just 15 carries. He became the first freshman running back at Stanford to record over 100 rushing yards since Kenneth Tolon in 2001. Another freshman, Emmett Mosley V, scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 22-yard catch in the fourth quarter and led Stanford with seven receptions.
Stanford's defense gave the Tigers offense fits at times throughout the first three quarters of the game, including a Collin Wright interception in the second quarter. It is the second interception of the season for Wright.
Stanford returns home to play Virginia Tech on Saturday during its first Festival of Champions celebration. Kickoff is schedule for 12:30 pm PT on ACC Network.