Clemson outlasting Wake Forest upset bid proves Tigers are doomed

The Clemson Tigers may have held on to defeat the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, but it was also a wake-up call for the team.

The Clemson Tigers entered Week 4 as the fifth-ranked team in the entire nation. Perhaps their first true test of the season was facing off against the No. 21 Wake Forest Demon Deacons, led by quarterback Sam Hartman.

After being on upset alert in the first half, Clemson hung on to win 51-45 in double overtime. The game was clinched after a 21-yard touchdown pass from DJ Uiagalelei to Davis Allen, and an incomplete pass thrown by Hartman on fourth-and-six on the ensuing drive.

While they were able to get the win, there should be reason for concern for Clemson.

Clemson should be concerned after narrow, double-overtime win over Wake Forest

Through the first three games of the season, Clemson showed that they have one of the best defenses in the country, averaging just 312.7 yards of offense per game. Ironically, they are tied with the Oklahoma Sooners, coached by former defensive coordinator Brent Venables, for 36th-best in the nation. But facing off against the Demon Deacons, the Tigers were torched.

Well, Clemson’s defense surrendered a total of 447 yards of offense against Wake Forest. Most of that yardage came from Hartman’s arm, as he threw for 337 yards and six touchdowns while completing 20-of-29 pass attempts.

Luckily for the Tigers, the offense was able to keep up with Hartman. Uiagalelei did his part, throwing five touchdown passes in the game, which just so happens to be a career-high in a single game for the junior quarterback.

Perhaps what was most impressive about the offense is that they were 16-for-21 on third-down situations.

While the Tigers were able to hang on against the Demon Deacons, the games only get tougher. That is evident next week when they take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack.

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