CLEMSON, S.C. (Interstat) — In a commanding performance at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, the Clemson Tigers methodically dispatched the visiting Furman Paladins, securing a 45-10 victory to even their season record and build momentum for their annual rivalry game.

The Tigers, now 6-5, left little to chance, scoring 17 points in the first quarter and never looking back against an overmatched Furman squad that fell to 6-6. The final score, while lopsided, fell just under the projected over/under line of 54.5 points.

Clemson’s offense operated with efficiency, particularly in the first half. Quarterback Cade Klubnik of Austin, Texas, set the tone early, orchestrating two first-quarter touchdown drives. He connected with Adam Williams on a 22-yard scoring strike and later watched as Tristan Brown broke free for a 21-yard touchdown run. Klubnik finished his day 9 of 15 for 159 yards and two touchdowns before giving way to the backups.

The Tigers’ second quarterback, Christopher Vizzina of Birmingham, Ala., extended the lead in the second quarter, finding Christian Bentancur for a 6-yard touchdown pass to cap a short drive following an interception. Vizzina demonstrated dual-threat capability, adding 16 rushing yards on three carries, including a 13-yard scamper.

Furman’s offense, led by quarterback Trey Hedden of Tampa, Fla., struggled to find consistency against a swarming Clemson defense. The Paladins managed only a 49-yard field goal from Ian Williams in the second quarter to get on the board. Hedden completed 22 of 38 passes for 179 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The Tigers’ defensive unit was a collective force, with linebacker Wade Woodaz of Tampa, Fla., leading the team with five tackles. The secondary was active, with safeties Kylon Griffin of Montgomery, Ala., also notching five tackles. The pressure was constant, as linebackers Sammy Brown of Commerce, Ga., and Will Heldt of Carmel, Ind., each recorded a sack. Brown also came away with a crucial interception of Hedden in the second quarter, a turnover that Clemson quickly converted into points.

After taking a 31-3 lead into halftime, Clemson continued to control the game. Furman found a brief spark in the third quarter when Hedden engineered a scoring drive, culminating in a 19-yard touchdown pass to E.J. James. That brought the score to 31-10, but it was the last significant offensive highlight for the Paladins.

The Tigers put the game fully out of reach in the fourth quarter with a display of their depth. Third-string quarterback Chris Denson of Plant City, Fla., took over and delivered a dynamic performance. Denson first showed his arm, hitting Logan Brooking with a 4-yard touchdown pass. He then showcased his legs, breaking free for a 50-yard run and later capping the scoring with a 10-yard touchdown scramble. Denson was a perfect 4 for 4 passing for 22 yards and a touchdown, while amassing 106 rushing yards and another score on just six carries.

For Furman, linebacker Luke McLaughlin of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was a bright spot on an otherwise difficult day for the defense, recording a game-high 11 tackles.

The victory sets up a crucial season finale for Clemson, which will travel to face in-state rival South Carolina next Saturday. The Tigers will look to carry the momentum from this decisive win and their recent form—having won two of their last three games—into the high-stakes contest. Furman’s season concludes with a .500 record, having alternated between wins and losses over their final six games.