Key takeaways from Clemson football OT win over Wake Forest

Clemson football defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 51-45 this afternoon.

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons made sure they erased the nightmares of last season’s game. Last season the Clemson Tigers dominated Wake Forest 48-27. Clemson sacked quarterback Sam Hartman seven times, and the Demon Deacons could not run the football. Clemson ran all over the Deacons to the tune of 333 yards.

Though the Deacons came up short again this season, they were determined not to be embarrassed like last season.

Clemson football won the game, and the offense looked as good as it has all season. Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei threw for a season-high 371 yards and five touchdowns. Running back Will Shipley had a solid game with 104 rushing yards and a touchdown.

The defense, however, was carved up by Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman. The Wake Forest offense racked up 447 total yards; Hartman had 337 yards through the air. Wide receiver Jahmal Banks and Donovan Green averaged more than 20 yards per reception.

Neither defense was spectacular today. Wake Forest allowed 559 yards, including 188 on the ground. Uiagalelei had time to throw all game; the Deacons sacked him just once. The Clemson pass rush was not as dominant as last season, with just three sacks of Sam Hartman.

Here are three takeaways from this afternoon’s game.