Game blog: Observations as Clemson emphatically signals it's still alive in ACC

Clemson got its must win Saturday, winning big -- 48-27 -- against No. 12 Wake Forest.

The offense generated season bests in total offense (543 yards) and rushing (333) and scored eight times, including six touchdowns, for its best scoring day against an FBS opponent.

Wake Forest's prolific offense, which had not scored fewer than 35 points in any of first 10 games, wasn't shut down, but it was controlled. Other than the Deacons' 184-yard second quarter, Wake never found a rhythm. Clemson sacked Sam Hartman seven times and finished with 10 tackles for loss.

All of that means that Clemson goes into the final week of the season with a 6-2 ACC record and a chance to win the Atlantic Division and a berth in the ACC championship game. At 8-3 overall and coming off a dismantling of the No. 12-ranked team in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll, the Tigers could re-enter the national rankings.

Clemson will need some help to advance in the ACC -- Wake must lose to Boston College and N.C. State to North Carolina next week -- but who would have thought that possible after an Oct. 23 loss to Pitt left Clemson 4-3 overall and 3-2 in the ACC?

3:41 p.m.| Wake Forest surrenders to Clemson

After Clemson scored to bring its lead to 21 points with 2:19 remaining, Wake Forest conceded, sitting start quarterback Sam Hartman and going to running plays to end the game.

FINAL: Clemson 48, No. 12 Wake Forest 27

3:39 p.m. | Clemson's running game puts the Wake Forest game on ice

Clemson turned to its running game to take control against Wake Forest, and now the Tigers are using to put the game way.

The Deacons attempted an onside kick after scoring to cut its deficit to 14, but Clemson recovered at Wake's 43. Kobe Pace gained 3 to the 40 and then 39 to the 1. From there, Will Shipley scored on a 1-yard run.

Pace has 191 yards rushing and Shipley 112. Both have rushed for two touchdowns.

Clemson 48, No. 12 Wake Forest 27, 2:19 remaining, 4th quarter

3:31 p.m.| Wake Forest keeps Clemson within reach

As Clemson tries to run out the clock, Wake Forest is passing on every down to keep the clock from ticking so quickly.

The Demon Deacons moved 75 yards in 10 plays -- nine passes and one sack -- consuming 2 minutes, 24 seconds -- to cut their deficit to 41-25. Christian Turner then rushed for the two-point conversion.

Clemson 41, No. 12 Wake Forest 27, 4:50 remaining, fourth quarter

3:25 p.m. |Clemson tries to close out a crucial win

Needing a win today to keep alive the dream of a seventh consecutive ACC championship, Clemson has emphatically shown how with its best offensive day of the season and a defensive effort that has made life difficult for Wake Forest star quarterback Sam Hartman.

And then there is the Tigers' response to Wake Forest's latest touchdown. The Deacons scored with 14:55 remaining in the fourth quarter to cut their deficit to three scores.

Clemson followed with an 11-play drive -- all rushes -- that moved the ball 57 yards and resulted in a B.T. Potter field goal. But the key statistic was the 7 minutes, 41 seconds of the fourth quarter the possession consumed. Wake Forest has 7:14 to produce at least three touchdowns with at least one two-point conversion.

Clemson 41, No. 12 Wake Forest 19, 7:14, fourth quarter.

3:08 p.m. | Wake Forest narrows its deficit against Clemson

No. 12 Wake Forest isn't surrendering despite falling behind by 25 after being outscored 21-3 in the third quarter.

The Demon Deacons opened the fourth quarter by capping a 75-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown run by Quinton Cooley. But with the clock now an enemy as much as Clemson, Wake needed 10 plays and almost four minutes for the score.

And Sam Hartman's two-point conversion pass attempt was broken up.

Clemson 38, No. 12 Wake Forest 19, 14:55, 4th quarter

3:02 p.m. | Clemson's defense giving Wake Forest offense a headache

As Clemson's offense soars toward its best game against a Power 5 opponent this season -- 443 yards through three quarters, compared to 438 in four quarters against Boston College -- the contribution of the defense shouldn't be overlooked.

The Tigers have given up 292 yards passing to Wake Forest but have sacked Sam Hartman seven times and caused enough anxiety that the Deacons have five penalties for early movement.

THIRD QUARTER: Clemson 38, No. 12 Wake Forest 13

2:53 p.m. | Clemson threatening to run away from Wake Forest

As the third quarter winds down, it appears Clemson is just getting wound up.

On Wake Forest's first snap following a Clemson touchdown, Sam Hartman fumbled and Tyler Davis recovered at the Deacons' 20.

The Tigers rushed four consecutive times from there, scoring on Kobe Pace's 2-yard run. Clemson has a season-high 233 yards rushing.

Clemson 38, No. 12 Wake Forest 13, 3:38, 3rd quarter

2:44 p.m.| What finger problem?

Despite a well-documented splint on the index finger of his throwing hand, D.J. Uiagalelei made a beautiful pass to widen Clemson's lead midway through the third quarter.

On a third-and-eight at the Tigers' 42, Clemson eschewed the high-percentage pass and went to Beaux Collins on a post pattern. Uiagalelei threw it perfectly, and Collins, despite interference, caught it with one hand and ran into the end zone for a 58-yard touchdown.

The score gave the Tigers the most points they have scored against a Power 5 team this season.

Clemson 31, No. 12 Wake Forest 13, 5:36, 3rd quarter.

2:37 p.m. | Loss of helmet turns into big play, but Wake Forest can't find end zone

Wake Forest has run two offensive plays without Sam Hartman at quarterback. On the first, running back Christian Turner took a direct snap for a 2-yard touchdown run.

The second came after Hartman lost his helmet during a sack. Enter Michael Kern, who had one completion this season for 9 yards. Facing third-and-five, Kern completed a pass to A.T. Perry, who broke free for a 58-yard gain to the Clemson 12.

Hartman returned but couldn't close drive. After two rushes combined for a loss of 1 yard, Hartman threw to the end zone, but Andrew Booth Jr. broke up the pass. Two flags were thrown -- holding and pass interference against the Deacons -- and Clemson declined them, forcing Wake to settle for a 31-yard field goal by Nick Sciba.

Clemson 24, No. 12 Wake Forest 13, 8:08, 3rd quarter

2:26 p.m. | Clemson deciding to make a run for it against Wake Forest

After rushing five times for 71 yards before a fumble snuffed its first drive, Clemson saw no reason to change its strategy on its second possession.

With ideal field position after forcing a Wake fumble at its 20, the Tigers scored three plays later -- all runs.

Kobe Pace rushed twice for 14 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown. He has 112 yards rushing on 14 carries. The Tigers have 209 yards rushing.

Clemson 24, No. 12 Wake Forest 10, 10:50, third quarter

2:20 p.m. | Clemson, Wake Forest exchange turnovers to open the third quarter

With Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagelelei wearing a splint on his right index finger and struggling to control his passes, the Tigers opened the second half by focusing on the running game.

Will Shipley broke a 42-yard run on the first play from scrimmage to the Wake 36 and followed that with a 9-yard run. Kobe Pace added a 2-yard gain on third-and-one and then an 18-yard gain.

But on the next snap, Uiagalelei's attempt a pitch to Pace was batted down and recovered by Wake defensive lineman Rondell Bothroy, snapping the drive at the Wake 15.

The sting of the turnover was soothed quickly, however.

Wake's Christian Turner fumbled on the next play after being hit by Myles Murphy, and Baylon Spector recovered at the 20.

2:09 p.m. | The telling numbers at halftime

Wake Forest made offensive adjustments between the first and second quarter. The outcome of the game may hinge on what counter-adjustments Clemson makes between the second and third quarters.

The Deacons were limited to 10 yards and one first down in the first quarter Wake Forest switched to short passes that took away Clemson's pass rush and ebounded impressively in the second quarter, accumulating 12 first downs and 184 yards. Sam Hartman was sacked four times in the first quarter and once in the second.

In large part because of the five sacks, the Deacons have 0 yards rushing at halftime.

Clemson had 179 yards and a 10-0 lead at the quarter and produced 79 yards and seven points in the second. Two turnovers hurt the momentum.

Expect Clemson to use its effective rushing game until and unless Wake Forest stops it. The Tigers have 126 yards rushing, including 78 by Kobe Pace on 10 carries.

D.J. Uiagalelei, playing despite a brace on his right knee and a splint on his right index finger, is 9-for-17 for 134 yards.

1:57 p.m.| After late drama, Clemson has halftime lead against Wake Forest

D.J. Uiagalelei's eighth interception of the season gave Wake Forest a chance to tie the score late in the first half, but the Demon Deacons couldn't take advantage.

Uiagalelei, playing with a splint on the index finger of his right hand, threw a nice spiral toward Beaux Collins, but a little behind him. The ball was tipped instead of caught, until it fell into the hands of Wake Forest defensive back Malik Mustapha.

With the ball at the Deacons 35 with 1:07 remaining in the half, quarterback Sam Hartman moved the ball to the Tigers' 39 with two passes for first downs.

Hartman appeared to fumble while being sacked on a second-and-eight pass attempt -- with James Skalski recovering -- but the call was overturned. Hartman was ruled down before the fumble -- TV replays indicated it was the correct call -- forcing third-and-16 with 13 seconds left.

Hartman then passed toward wide receiver Taylor Morin, but Andrew Booth Jr. had Morin tightly covered and made an interception at Clemson's 24.

The Tigerswent into halftime with the lead.

Clemson will get the ball to start the second half.

HALFTIME: Clemson 17, No. 12 Wake Forest 10

1:37 p.m.| Wake Forest offense is finding its rhythm and the end zone

Held to 10 yards and a first down in the first quarter, Wake Forest is finding its rhythm on offense in the second.

The Demon Deacons have 160 yards and 10 first downs, sparked of course by quarterback Sam Hartman, who is 11-for-14 for 137 yards in the period.

But Wake Forest scored with Hartman on the sideline.

After moving 73 yards on 10 plays but facing a third-and-goal from the 2, the Deacons pulled Hartman in favor of a Wildcat formation with running back Christian Turner taking the snap. He followed two blockes to the right side and scored.

Clemson 17, No. 12 Wake Forest 10, 1:22, second quarter

1:26 p.m. | Uiagalelei playing hurt? Clemson turns to running game with good results

D.J. Uiagalelei has a brace on his right knee and a splint on his right index finger, and his passes have fluttered or flown high.

So Clemson has turned to its running game in the second quarter.

Kobe Pace, who sat out the UConn game last week because of the concussion protocol, carried on four of the Tigers' next six plays and gained 30 yards. The other significant play was Uaigalelei's crispest pass -- over the middle to the right shoulder of tight end Davis Allen -- for a 24-yard gain.

Will Shipley then carried for 4 yards and then Uiagalelei -- bad knee and all -- scrambled 12 yards to the Wake 1. After rushes by Shipley and Uiagalelei lost a yard, the Tigers turned to trickeration.

On third down, Shipley took a direct snap, faked a run up the middle and then jumped up and tossed an almost end-over-end pass that Allen snagged for a 2-yard touchdown.

Clemson 17, No. 12 Wake Forest 3, 5:15 p.m., 2nd quarter.

1:13 p.m.| Hartman, Wake Forest counter Clemson defense's pass rush

Held to 10 yards and one first down while being sacked four times in the first quarter, Deacons quarterback Sam Hartman and the offensive staff made adjustments on their first series of the second quarter.

Switching to quick, short passes by Hartman, the Deacons drove from their 14 to Clemson's 5 quickly. Wake Forest recorded five first downs -- four on Hartman passes, one on a Hartman run -- earing 4 minutes, 28 seconds by using 14 plays to move the 81 yards.

With the end zone allowing it not to worry about receivers getting behind it, Clemson's defense stopped the drive there. Nick Sciba's 23-yard field goal were the Deacons's first points.

Clemson 10, No. 12 Wake Forest 3, 10:21, 2nd quarter.

1:06 p.m. | Putting a finger on Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei's struggles

Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei is 6-for-12 for 97 yards after a quarter, but his passes have trended too high for his receivers. He hasn't been among the most accurate passers in FBS this season, but today there may be a medical reason.

Uiagalelei is playing with the tip of his right index finger -- on his throwing hand -- in a bandaged splint.

1:01 p.m.| First quarter is all Clemson

OK, who saw this coming?

After one quarter, Wake Forest's prolific offense -- No. 7 in total yards and No. 2 in scoring in FBS -- has 10 yards and one first down. Quarterback Sam Hartman has been sacked four times for minus-16 yards.

Clemson has 179 yards -- 97 passing and 82 rushing -- and seven first downs.

12:55 p.m. | Two mistakes cost Clemson chance for another score

It may not prove costly, but Clemson mistakes cost the Tigers a chance to widen their lead.

After Clemson's defense forced Wake Forest into a three-and-out, the Deacons punted to Will Brown. He broke the return for an apparent 65-yard touchdown, but the play was ruled dead because Brown gave a brief, low wave of his right hand -- the signal for a fair catch.

The Tigers then started from their 35 and Kobe Pace carried four consecutive times for 28 yards. After an incompletion, Pace carried again, this time for 17 yards. However, the Deacons Chase Jones punched the ball loose and Ja'Sir Taylor recovered at the 20, ending the possession.

End of quarter: Clemson 10, No. 12 Wake Forest 0

12:44 p.m. | D.J. Uiagalelei's impressive play helps to widen Clemson's lead

Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei has received plenty of criticism for the struggles of the Clemson offense this season -- some deserved -- and his passing has not been crisp early today.

But he made one of his most impressive plays this season midway through the first period.

Limited in mobility by a brace supporting his right knee, Uiagalelei faced pressure on a third-and-eight play. He was grabbed twice by Wake Forest defenders, shook the sack attempts, ran forward and then arched a long pass to a waiting Beaux Collins for a 52-yard gain to the Deacons' 7.

Four plays later -- on fourth-and-goal from the 1 -- Will Shipley scored on a dive over the line into the end zone.

Clemson 10, No. 12 Wake Forest 0, 6:41, first quarter.

12:24 p.m. | Clemson defense making early statement

Sam Hartman and the Wake Forest offense have been nearly unstoppable this season. And it's early, but Clemson's defense is revealing the blue print to keeping the Demon Deacons' prolific passing game off kilter.

Rush the passer.

The Tigers have sacks on three of Wake Forest's first seven snaps. Hartman has one completion for 17 yards, but the Deacons' total offense is 2 yards.

Clemson has taken advantage with a 50-yard field goal by B.T. Potter after Wake went three-and-out on its first possession.

Clemson 3, No. 12 Wake Forest 0, 12:39, first quarter

11:30 a.m. | Did you know it's Clemson coach Dabo Swinney's birthday?

Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney turned 52 today, and according to Clemson's SID emeritus, Tim Bourret, Nov. 20 has been a good day for the Tigers. Bourret says the last time Clemson lost on that was in 1971, Swinney's 2nd birthday.

Here's the story our Scott Keepfer wrote when Swinney celebrated his 50th:

►Dabo Swinney turns 50: A look at Clemson's coach through the decades

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This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Live updates: Clemson overpowers Wake Forest, keeps ACC hopes alive