The Citadel Football vs Clemson Tigers Football Match Player Stats: A Comprehensive Analysis
The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats offer a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of a classic David vs. Goliath matchup in college football. When The Citadel Bulldogs, a proud FCS program, take on the Clemson Tigers, a perennial FBS powerhouse, the games often showcase contrasting styles, strategies, and individual brilliance. This article dives deep into the player statistics from their most recent encounter on November 23, 2024, analyzing key performances, standout moments, and what the numbers reveal about both teams. By examining the Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats, we uncover the heart of this intrastate rivalry and the performances that shaped the outcome.
Game Overview: A Tale of Two Programs
The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats from the November 23, 2024, game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina, tell the story of a dominant 51-14 victory for the No. 17-ranked Clemson Tigers over the Citadel Bulldogs. With an attendance of 80,300, the game was a showcase of Clemson’s offensive firepower and defensive prowess against a gritty Citadel squad. The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats highlight how Clemson’s balanced attack overwhelmed The Citadel’s run-heavy approach, setting the stage for a comprehensive analysis of individual contributions.
Team Statistics Snapshot
Before diving into individual performances, let’s set the context with team stats. The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats reveal stark contrasts:
- Total Yards: Clemson amassed 562 yards, while The Citadel gained 387.
- Rushing Yards: The Citadel, known for its triple-option offense, ran for 288 yards, but Clemson outdid them with 302.
- Passing Yards: Clemson threw for 260 yards, dwarfing The Citadel’s 99.
- Turnovers: The Citadel had two (one interception, one fumble), while Clemson had one (an interception).
- Third-Down Efficiency: The Citadel converted 8-of-18, while Clemson went 5-of-9.
These numbers frame the individual performances that defined the game, with the Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats showcasing Clemson’s dominance and The Citadel’s resilience.
Offensive Standouts: The Citadel Bulldogs
The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats for the Bulldogs center on their ground game, a hallmark of their triple-option offense. Despite the loss, several players made notable contributions.
Jonathan Bennett (Quarterback)
Jonathan Bennett led The Citadel’s offense, and the Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats reflect his dual-threat capability. He completed 2-of-10 passes for 90 yards, including a 66-yard touchdown pass to Javonte Graves-Billips, but threw one interception. On the ground, Bennett carried nine times for 54 yards, showcasing his mobility in the option scheme. While his passing numbers were modest, his touchdown pass was a highlight, demonstrating The Citadel’s ability to strike big when opportunities arose.
Johnny Crawford III (Running Back)
The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats highlight Johnny Crawford III as a key rusher, with seven carries for 70 yards. His 10-yard average per carry showed his ability to find gaps against Clemson’s stout defense. Crawford’s performance underscores The Citadel’s commitment to the run, even against a superior opponent.
Garrison Johnson (Running Back)
Garrison Johnson was another bright spot, with the Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats crediting him with 15 carries for 65 yards and a 9-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. His score gave The Citadel a momentary spark, cutting Clemson’s lead to 42-7. Johnson’s physicality and vision were critical in sustaining drives.
Javonte Graves-Billips (Receiver)
The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats spotlight Javonte Graves-Billips for his receiving prowess. His two catches for 90 yards, including a 66-yard touchdown, were the Bulldogs’ primary passing highlights. His ability to break free for a long score against Clemson’s secondary was a testament to The Citadel’s potential for explosive plays.
Offensive Standouts: Clemson Tigers
The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats for Clemson reveal a well-oiled offensive machine, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik and a dynamic supporting cast.
Cade Klubnik (Quarterback)
Cade Klubnik was the centerpiece of Clemson’s offense, and the Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats reflect his efficiency. He completed 12-of-16 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions. His touchdown passes included a 30-yard strike to Antonio Williams, a 55-yard bomb to Bryant Wesco Jr., and a 9-yard score to Williams. Klubnik also added 34 yards on four carries, showing his versatility. His performance was a masterclass in precision and leadership.
Jay Haynes (Running Back)
The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats highlight Jay Haynes as a breakout star. He rushed five times for 118 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown run and a 9-yard score. His 23.6 yards per carry average was a game-changer, showcasing his speed and ability to exploit The Citadel’s defense. Haynes’ performance was a key factor in Clemson’s 302 rushing yards.
Antonio Williams (Receiver)
Antonio Williams shone in the receiving corps, with the Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats crediting him with five receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns (30 and 9 yards). His ability to find soft spots in The Citadel’s secondary and make contested catches was pivotal in Clemson’s passing attack.
Bryant Wesco Jr. (Receiver)
Bryant Wesco Jr. added to Clemson’s aerial assault, with the Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats noting his three catches for 75 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown. His speed stretched The Citadel’s defense, creating opportunities for other playmakers.
Defensive Highlights: The Citadel Bulldogs
The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats for the Bulldogs’ defense show a unit that battled valiantly despite being outmatched. The team recorded no sacks but forced one turnover (a fumble recovery by Avieon Terrell). Key performers included those who tried to contain Clemson’s explosive offense.
Avieon Terrell
Terrell’s fumble recovery was a bright spot in the Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats. While The Citadel struggled to slow Clemson’s attack, Terrell’s play provided a brief momentum shift.
Defensive Highlights: Clemson Tigers
Clemson’s defense was relentless, and the Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats reflect their dominance. They forced two turnovers and limited The Citadel’s passing game to just 99 yards.
Payton Page (Defensive Tackle)
Payton Page was a defensive standout, with the Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats highlighting his 57-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter. His pick-six set the tone early, giving Clemson a 14-0 lead. Page’s 90.6 PFF grade was the highest among Clemson players, underscoring his impact.
Barrett Carter (Linebacker)
Barrett Carter capped Clemson’s defensive effort with a 4-yard rushing touchdown, an unusual stat for a linebacker. The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats also note his defensive contributions, including tackles that helped stifle The Citadel’s option attack.
Special Teams and Kicking
The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats for special teams show mixed results. The Citadel’s Ben Barnes was perfect on extra points (2-for-2) but missed his only field goal attempt. Clemson’s Nolan Hauser made 5-of-5 extra points and a 32-yard field goal, though Hogan Morton struggled, converting only 1-of-5 extra points.
Historical Context and Rivalry
The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats gain added significance when viewed through the lens of their historical rivalry. Clemson holds a 34-5-1 record against The Citadel, with the Bulldogs’ last win coming in 1931. The 2024 game continued Clemson’s dominance, with the Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats showing a consistent trend of Clemson’s superior resources and talent prevailing. However, The Citadel’s ability to score 14 points and gain 387 yards against a ranked FBS team highlights their competitiveness.
Statistical Analysis: What the Numbers Mean
The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats reveal key insights:
- Clemson’s Efficiency: The Tigers’ 10.8 yards per rush and 8.4 yards per pass attempt underscore their ability to maximize every play.
- The Citadel’s Resilience: Despite being outmatched, The Citadel’s 5.2 yards per rush and 8-of-18 third-down conversions show their ability to sustain drives.
- Turnover Impact: Clemson’s two forced turnovers, including Page’s pick-six, were game-changers, while The Citadel’s two turnovers hampered their chances.
These stats highlight Clemson’s depth and The Citadel’s determination, making the Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats a compelling study in contrasts.
Conclusion
The Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats from November 23, 2024, paint a picture of a one-sided but spirited contest. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, Jay Haynes, and Payton Page delivered standout performances, while The Citadel’s Jonathan Bennett, Johnny Crawford III, and Garrison Johnson showed grit and flashes of brilliance. The stats reflect Clemson’s FBS dominance and The Citadel’s FCS tenacity, making this matchup a microcosm of college football’s diverse landscape. As both teams move forward, these performances will shape their respective seasons, with Clemson eyeing a playoff berth and The Citadel aiming for a bowl game.
FAQs
Q: What were the final team stats for The Citadel vs. Clemson on November 23, 2024?
A: The Citadel had 387 total yards (288 rushing, 99 passing), 15 first downs, and two turnovers. Clemson recorded 562 yards (302 rushing, 260 passing), 27 first downs, and one turnover.
Q: Who were the top performers in the Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats?
A: For The Citadel, Jonathan Bennett (90 passing yards, 1 TD), Johnny Crawford III (70 rushing yards), and Javonte Graves-Billips (90 receiving yards, 1 TD) stood out. For Clemson, Cade Klubnik (198 passing yards, 3 TDs), Jay Haynes (118 rushing yards, 2 TDs), and Payton Page (57-yard pick-six) were key.
Q: How does this game fit into the historical rivalry?
A: Clemson leads the series 34-5-1, with The Citadel’s last win in 1931. The 2024 game’s stats align with Clemson’s historical dominance, though The Citadel’s 14 points show their competitiveness.
Q: What impact did turnovers have on the game?
A: Clemson’s two forced turnovers, including a pick-six, were pivotal in building a 35-0 halftime lead. The Citadel’s two turnovers limited their comeback chances.
Q: Where can I find more details on the Citadel football vs Clemson Tigers football match player stats?
A: Detailed box scores and stats are available on ESPN, Clemson Tigers’ official site, and Sportskeeda.
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