CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Cade Klubnik has been a difference-maker for Clemson this season. And that's been key to the 21st-ranked Tigers' offensive revival.
Klubnik, a junior in his second full season as starting quarterback, threw for a three touchdowns and added a 55-yard scoring run in Clemson's 59-35 win over N.C. State to start Atlantic Coast Conference play.
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CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Cade Klubnik has been a difference-maker for Clemson this season. And that's been key to the 21st-ranked Tigers' offensive revival.
North Carolina State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) rolls out to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) celebrates a 55-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Clemson running back Phil Mafah (7) runs past North Carolina State safety Bishop Fitzgerald (7) and linebacker Caden Fordham (10) for a 38-yard touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams (0) celebrates a 2-yard touchdown reception with tight end Jake Briningstool (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) celebrates a 55-yard touchdown run with wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
He accounted for seven touchdowns — five passing, two rushing — in a 66-20 victory over Appalachian State in his previous game.
“He's just had a lot of growth,” Clemson tailback Phil Mafah said. “Him growing as a leader, growing as a quarterback. He's making his reads faster. He's confident and that's what got us here.”
That got Clemson a second straight blowout that was over by halftime. The Tigers (2-1, 1-0 ACC) were ahead 28-0 in the first quarter and 45-7 at halftime.
“To play the way we did, to come out and really not skip a beat,” Klubnik said. “We got better over the last two weeks and kept our momentum going.”
That wasn't the case a season ago where Klubnik was prone to mistakes and bad decisions. The Tigers, expected to contend for an ACC title, were out of the race before November at 4-4.
These days, Klubnik takes advantage of what he sees. Like on his 55-yard touchdown run, the longest scoring scamper by a Clemson QB since Trevor Lawrence went for 67 yards against Ohio State in 2019.
Klubnik followed with scoring throws of 31 and 2 yards to Antonio Williams and Mafah ran for a 38-yard TD.
“I see us continuing to build momentum,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said, “and momentum is a powerful thing.”
N.C. State (2-2, 0-1) could not respond, losing its 10th straight game at Death Valley.
Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren saw a defense he did not recognize early on. “Guys not fitting the run properly. Playing soft in coverage, just not aggressive,” he said. “It looked like we were on our heels.”
Klubnik finished 16 for 24 for 209 yards, coming to the sidelines after his final touchdown throw of 4 yards to Adam Randall early in the third quarter.
Mafah had 107 yards rushing, his second straight game over the century mark.
It was the most points scored in an ACC game since Clemson's 62-17 victory over Virginia in the league championship game five years ago. The win was also the 800th in program history for Clemson, the 14th FBS team to reach that many and first ACC school to accomplish that.
The Tigers hope to pile on many more wins this season, particularly with an offense clicking like it is.
N.C. State's CJ Bailey, a 6-foot-6 freshman who started his first game for injured quarterback Grayson McCall, stood as tall as he could against Clemson's intense pressure. He threw for 204 yards and a touchdown, but also lost a fumble and gave up a 53-yard pick six interception by cornerback Ashton Hampton that put Clemson ahead 59-14 in the third quarter.
The Wolfpack scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter — all against Clemson reserves — to tighten things up. They finished with 440 yards, 210 coming in the final period.
N.C. State: The Wolfpack have some soul searching to do. They entered the season ranked and considered an ACC contender, but have been blown out twice by Power Four teams after falling to No. 6 Tennessee 51-10 two weeks ago.
Clemson: The Tigers look like they've moved past the big egg laid against No. 2 Georgia, 34-3, in the opener and got on the business of chasing an ACC title and possible spot in the College Football Playoff. This was a strong start.
N.C. State left tackle Anthony Belton was ejected for spitting on Clemson defensive lineman Tre Williams. Belton is a 6-foot-6, 356-pound graduate student who is projected as a late-round NFL pick this coming season. But he was thrown out right before halftime for his actions. Doeren said he was disappointed in his player's actions, but that is not in his character.
Clemson starters in defensive end Peter Woods and receiver Tyler Brown did not play against the Wolfpack. Woods, who came into the week leading the Tigers in tackles for loss, was injured on a chop block two weeks ago against Appalachian State. Brown, the team's leading receiver last year as a freshman, is dealing with an ankle injury. Swinney said postgame that receiver Adam Randall, who had five catches for 69 yards and a TD, needs a screw in a fractured toe and will miss the next few games.
N.C. State returns home to play No. 23 Northern Illinois on Saturday.
Clemson finishes a three-game home stand against Stanford on Saturday night.
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North Carolina State head coach Dave Doeren watches an instant replay on the scoreboard during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
North Carolina State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) rolls out to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) celebrates a 55-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Clemson running back Phil Mafah (7) runs past North Carolina State safety Bishop Fitzgerald (7) and linebacker Caden Fordham (10) for a 38-yard touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams (0) celebrates a 2-yard touchdown reception with tight end Jake Briningstool (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) celebrates a 55-yard touchdown run with wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EDT. Find the AP’s top photos of the day in Today’s Photo Collection. For up-to-the-minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan in AP Newsroom.
ADDS: GENERAL-ASSEMBLY-SECURITY, OBIT-KATHRYN-CROSBY, INDONESIA-NEW-ZEALAND-KIDNAPPED-PILOT, CONGO-PRISONERS-FREED
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WEEKEND COVERAGE
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For weekend stories, please click here for the Weekend Lookahead digest.
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TOP STORIES
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MIDEAST-TENSIONS — An Israeli airstrike on a Beirut apartment block killed two senior Hezbollah leaders and about a dozen other members of the militant group, Israel’s military said as Lebanon raised the attack’s death toll to 37, including women and children. By Bassem Mroue. SENT: 990 words, photos, video.
ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS -- An Israeli strike on a school in northern Gaza killed at least 22 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, while the Israeli army said that it targeted a Hamas command center in what used to be a school. SENT: 560 words, photos, video.
ELECTION 2024-TRUMP — Donald Trump returns to North Carolina but is campaigning without Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the embattled Republican nominee for governor who is a top Trump loyalist in the battleground state. By Meg Kinnard, Erik Verduzco and Jonathan J. Cooper. SENT: 760 words, photos. Developing from rally scheduled for 2 p.m.
ELECTION-2024-ARTIFICIAL-INTELLIGENCE MEMES — Artificial intelligence is playing a major role in the presidential campaign, even if the greatest fears about how it could threaten the race haven’t materialized. Fake AI-generated images regularly ricochet around the web, but many of them are so cartoonish and absurd that most people couldn’t take them seriously. Still, even these memes can be problematic. By Dan Merica, Garance Burke and Ali Swenson. SENT: 1,130 words, photos.
ANTI-ABORTION-ANGST — Just two years ago, leading anti-abortion activists were euphoric after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, thus ending the nationwide right to abortion. Now, with a presidential election fast approaching, their movement is disunited and worried. Within their ranks, there is second-guessing and finger-pointing, plus fears that Election Day might provide new proof that their cause is broadly unpopular. By David Crary. SENT: 1,210 words, photos. Eds: This is the Sunday Spotlight.
SEXUAL-MISCONDUCT-DIDDY-MUSIC-STATUS — Sean “Diddy” Combs created a hit-making empire with big name performers, earning his place as a savvy music mogul and becoming a three-time Grammy winner while securing high-profile deals across other industries. . But now, Combs’ kingdom is collapsing under charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. By Jonathan Landrum Jr. SENT: 940 words, photos.
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ISRAEL-HAMAS-WAR
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UNITED-STATES-MIDEAST — The Biden administration is taking a more hands-off approach than usual during a week of dramatic escalation between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. U.S. officials are holding back from full-on crisis diplomacy for fear of making matters worse. SENT: 880 words, photos.
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RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR — A major Ukrainian drone attack set multiple Russian arms depots ablaze, destroying what Ukraine’s General Staff said were thousands of tons of weaponry, including missiles from North Korea. SENT: 1,060 words, photos. WITH: UNITED-STATES-UKRAINE-ZELENSKYY — Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will visit a Pennsylvania ammunition factory to thank workers. (sent).
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MORE NEWS
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BRITAIN-OLDEST-SEAL -- As gray seals go, Sheba is grayer than most. The grand dame of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in England is being celebrated for her 50th birthday. SENT: 450 words, photos, video.
GERMANY-OKTOBERFEST -- Oktoberfest is open. The world’s largest folk festival begins after ceremonial keg-tapping. SENT: 530 words, photos.
GEORGIA-HIGH-SCHOOL-SHOOTING — The mother of a Georgia teenager charged with fatally shooting four people at his high school has been indicted in connection with an alleged domestic incident last year. SENT: 350 words, photos.
MOTEL-6-ACQUISITION — The budget motel chain Motel 6 is being acquired by the parent company of Oyo, a hotel operator based in India. SENT: 250 words, photo.
F1-LIZARD-ON-TRACK — A large lizard scampered onto the track and stopped the third and final Formula 1 practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix. SENT: 110 words, photo.
OBIT-KATHRYN-CROSBY — Kathryn Crosby, who appeared in such movies as “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad,” “Anatomy of a Murder,” and “Operation Mad Ball” before marrying famed singer and Oscar-winning actor Bing Crosby, has died. SENT: 350 words, photos.
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WASHINGTON/POLITICS
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ELECTION 2024-ARIZONA IMMIGRATION — Arizona voters will decide ballot measures on abortion and immigration in November as Republicans in the closely contested state look to capitalize on concerns about illegal border crossings to counter an expected increase in turnout by people determined to restore and protect abortion rights. SENT: 1,000 words, photos.
BIDEN-QUAD — President Biden is looking to showcase the Indo-Pacific partnership he nurtured since taking office. He’s hosting the leaders of Australia, Japan and India in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. SENT: 870 words, photos, audio.
ELECTION-2024-TRUMP-SUSPECT — At least four times, tips were made to the FBI, State Department and other U.S. government agencies that raised suspicions about the man accused in the apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Florida. What was done in response to these reports that could have stopped Ryan Routh or at least put him under greater scrutiny isn’t entirely clear. SENT: 1545 words, photos.
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NATIONAL
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FBI-SHIP-SEARCH — Federal agents boarded a vessel managed by the same company as a cargo ship that caused the deadly Baltimore bridge collapse, the FBI confirmed. SENT: 680 words, photos.
FALL FOLIAGE PREVIEW — Fall is back, and bringing with it jack-o’-lanterns, football, pumpkin spice everything and, in some parts of the country, especially vibrant foliage. Leaves around the northern U.S. are starting to turn orange, yellow and red, inspiring legions of leaf lovers to hop in their cars and travel to the countryside for the best looks at fall’s fireworks. SENT: 500 words, photos, video.
NEIGHBORHOOD-SINKHOLES — Families in a South Dakota neighborhood are fearing for their safety as sinkholes have appeared around their homes in the area above an old underground mine. About 150 neighbors have sued the state, seeking $45 million for the value of their homes and legal costs. SENT: 890 words, photos.
FATAL-POLICE-SHOOTING — A police pursuit that began in New York City ended on Long Island with the shooting death of the driver, and seven police officers and a civilian were taken to hospitals for treatment, police said. SENT: 300 words, photos.
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INTERNATIONAL
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SRI-LANKA-ELECTION — Voting has ended in Sri Lanka’s presidential election as the country seeks to recover from the worst economic crisis in its history and the resulting political upheaval. SENT: 610 words, photos.
FRANCE-RAPE-TRIAL — The trial of dozens of men accused of raping an unconscious woman whose husband repeatedly drugged her over the course of nearly a decade has highlighted the difficulties that sexual violence victims can face in France. SENT: 1,120 words, photos.
JAPAN-HEAVY-RAIN — Heavy rain pounded Japan’s northcentral region of Noto which triggered landslides and floods and left one person dead and several missing, officials said. SENT: 460 words, photos.
GENERAL-ASSEMBLY-SECURITY — Below United Nations headquarters, a state-of-the-art security post dubbed the “Brain Center” hums with activity on the eve of next week’s high-level meeting of the U.N. General Assembly. SENT: 1,000 words, photos.
INDONESIA-NEW-ZEALAND-KIDNAPPED-PILOT — A New Zealand pilot held hostage for more than a year in the restive Papua region of Indonesia has been freed by separatist rebels. SENT: 800 words, photos.
CONGO-PRISONERS-FREED — Authorities in Congo say 600 prisoners in the country’s main prison have been freed as part of a process aimed at decongesting overcrowded prisons. SENT: 430 words, photos.
HAITI-KENYA-PRESIDENT — Kenyan President William Ruto has arrived in Haiti as the United Nations grapples with how to best support a peacekeeping mission of resource-strapped Kenyan and Jamaican forces. SENT: 330 words, photos.
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HEALTH & SCIENCE
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BE-WELL-TAKE-THE-STAIRS -- If you’re trying to lose weight and want a new way to do it, stair-climbing as a regular exercise — or just adding a few flights a day — might be for you. It’s accessible, and research shows it’s more effective than walking on level ground. SENT: 810 words, photos.
CLIMATE-FINANCING-ENERGY-TRANSITION — The annual New York City Climate Week and United Nations General Assembly that’s just about to start are emphasizing how to generate trillions of dollars that will be needed to help poorer countries move away from gas, oil and coal, fuels that release greenhouse gases and heat the planet. SENT: 1,010 words, photos.
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SPORTS
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FBC-T-25-USC-MICHIGAN —No. 11 USC plays No. 18 Michigan at Michigan Stadium, the first matchup of the traditional powers in the regular season since 1958. UPCOMING: 550 words, photos. Game starts 3:30 p.m.
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HOW TO REACH US
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Katy Perry performs during the Rock in Rio music festival in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)
Emergency workers use excavators to clear the rubble at the site of Friday's Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburbs, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
Iranian Revolutionary Guard cadets march during an annual military parade marking the anniversary of the beginning of war against Iran by former Iraqi Dictator Saddam Hussein 44 years ago, in front of the shrine of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
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