Clemson Roars Back to Defeat Kansas 42-24 Behind Phil Mafah’s Monster Day
In a game that opened with momentum firmly on Kansas’ side, the Clemson Tigers clawed back from a 14-0 deficit to dominate the rest of the way, powered by a career performance from running back Phil Mafah. Clemson took control with a 28-point explosion in the second quarter and never looked back, winning 42-24.
Kansas came out firing, striking first with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Skinner. After forcing a Clemson punt on the next possession—helped by a controversial call on a speed option play that nearly turned disastrous—Kansas quickly capitalized. Quarterback Jalon Daniels hit Lawrence Arnold with a perfectly placed corner route to go up 14-0.
But that’s when the tide turned.
Clemson responded with a hard-nosed drive capped off by Mafah’s first touchdown of the day. A fumble forced by Khalil Barnes sparked the Tigers’ surge, leading to a jet touch pass from Cade Klubnik to Antonio Williams for a score. Then Jamal Anderson’s interception set the stage for another Mafah touchdown, as Clemson seized a 21-14 lead.
The Tigers poured it on late in the half. With just four seconds remaining before the break, Klubnik delivered a beautiful 49-yard play-action touchdown bomb, stretching Clemson’s lead to 35-21 and capping a 28-point second quarter.
The second half saw the Tigers continue to control the game, with Mafah adding his fourth touchdown of the night. He finished with a staggering 252 yards on 37 carries, breaking nine tackles and finding the end zone four times—three of those coming in the first half alone.
On defense, RJ Mickens made a statement with 8 total tackles and a key interception, undercutting a dig route intended for Arnold. Kansas linebacker Cornell Wheeler was a bright spot for the Jayhawks with 10 total tackles, including two for loss.
Clemson’s mix of explosive offense, timely turnovers, and second-quarter dominance was the difference, as they move forward with momentum and a statement win.
HOME
Live
Discord