CLEMSON, S.C. (Interstat) — Clemson used a dominant first-half offensive display and a stifling defensive performance to defeat Furman 45-10 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

The Tigers improved to 6-5 on the season, while the Paladins fell to an even 6-6.

Clemson’s offense was efficient and explosive from the opening drive, scoring on its first three possessions to build a commanding lead. The Tigers put up 17 points in the first quarter and added 14 more in the second to take a 31-3 lead into halftime. The Paladins, meanwhile, struggled to find any offensive rhythm against a relentless Clemson defense.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik of Austin, Texas, set the tone early for Clemson, completing 9 of 15 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns before giving way to reserves. His primary target was Adam Randall, who was on the receiving end of several key early throws. The Tigers’ ground game complemented the air attack, with running back Tristan Brown breaking free for a 21-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Furman’s offense, led by quarterback Trey Hedden of Tampa, Fla., was consistently stymied. Hedden finished the game completing 22 of 38 passes for 179 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Paladins’ only first-half points came on a 49-yard field goal by Ian Williams late in the second quarter.

Clemson extended its lead in the third quarter as quarterback Christopher Vizzina of Birmingham, Ala., took over. Vizzina orchestrated a scoring drive capped by a 6-yard touchdown pass to Christian Bentancur, pushing the lead to 38-3. Vizzina also showed his mobility, rushing for 16 yards on three carries.

Furman managed to find the end zone late in the third quarter. Hedden engineered a drive that ended with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Elijah James, cutting the deficit to 38-10.

The Tigers put the final touches on the victory in the fourth quarter with third-string quarterback Chris Denson of Plant City, Fla., taking the reins. Denson showcased his dual-threat ability, first connecting with Logan Brooking on a 4-yard touchdown pass and then sealing the game with a 10-yard touchdown run. Denson was a perfect 4-for-4 passing for 22 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 106 yards and another score on just six carries.

Defensively, Clemson was led by a host of players who consistently pressured Hedden and contained the Furman rushing attack. Linebacker Wade Woodaz of Tampa, Fla., recorded a team-high five tackles. The secondary was active, with safety Kylon Griffin of Montgomery, Ala., also notching five tackles. Linebacker Sammy Brown of Commerce, Ga., had a particularly impactful game with four tackles, one sack and a key interception.

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

The game unfolded as most statistical models predicted, with Clemson heavily favored. The Tigers covered the pregame spread and the combined score of 55 points fell just under the over/under line.

Clemson will conclude its regular season on the road next Saturday against rival South Carolina. Furman’s season is now complete.