No. 25 Clemson wants to turn things around against Charleston Southern after opening loss at Duke

Charleston Southern (1-0) at No. 25 Clemson (0-1), Saturday, 2:15 p.m. ET (ACC Network)

Line: No line.

Series record: First meeting.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

The chance for Clemson to bounce back and find some offensive rhythm after dropping its opener for the first time since 2014. The Tigers gained 422 yards in a 28-7 loss at Duke, but turned the ball over twice in the red zone and saw another second-half drive ended when quarterback Cade Klubnik slid a yard ahead of the first-down line.

KEY MATCHUP

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik vs. Charleston Southern defense. Most eyes at Memorial Stadium will be on Klubnik, who couldn't generate points as he began his first full season as starter. Klubnik also lost to Tennessee in Clemson's bowl game and another struggling performance would lead to more questions.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Charleston Southern: DL Laron Davis had two sacks and an interception in the Buccaneers' 13-10 victory over Division II North Greenville to start the season. The 6-foot-3, 287-pound Davis will have to be as effective this week for Charleston Southern to keep it close.

Clemson: RB Will Shipley was his versatile self as he ran for 114 yards and had a 2-yard TD catch from Klubnik in the loss at Duke.

FACTS & FIGURES

This is the first meeting between Clemson and Charleston Southern of the FCS' Big South Conference. ... Clemson is 37-0 all-time against teams from the FCS, including a 35-12 win over Furman last season. ... The Buccaneers were trailing 10-0 to North Greenville when they rallied in the second half for the 13-10 victory. ... Charleston Southern is 0-23 all-time against FBS opponents. ... Clemson is 34-2 in home openers, the only losses coming to Marshall in 1999 and Georgia in 2003. A win Saturday would extend Clemson's program mark to 20 straight victories to start the home season. ... Charleston Southern has not had a winning season since going 6-5 under coach Mark Tucker in 2017. .... Between 2013 and 2022, Clemson had won 26 straight against non-conference opponents. That streak ended last November with a South Carolina victory at Death Valley. ... Charleston Southern will be the 108th different program Clemson has faced since it began playing football. The Tigers are 65-38-4 when facing a first-time opponent, including winning 16 of their past 17 such contests.

___

AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll