Berkeley, CA. — Clemson traveled across the country Friday night and left California with another important ACC victory.
Gideon Davidson rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, while Clemson’s defense intercepted three passes and held California to only three offensive points as the Tigers defeated the Golden Bears 24-10 at California Memorial Stadium.
Clemson improved to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in ACC play, while Cal dropped to 2-2 and 1-1.
The Tigers received a major contribution from their defense, particularly cornerback Elliot Washington II, who intercepted two passes. The secondary repeatedly disrupted California’s passing attack, while the defensive front added two sacks.
Jerome Carter III, Corey Myrick and Sammy Brown each finished with eight tackles to lead Clemson.
Clemson Overcomes Early Mistakes
Clemson’s offense had an uneven beginning.
Quarterback Tait Reynolds, making his first career road start, completed 13 of 21 passes for 108 yards and added 28 rushing yards.
The Tigers moved the chains on their opening possession before a deep shot on a flea-flicker ended with Isaiah Crosby intercepting Reynolds.
Clemson’s defense quickly returned the favor.
Four plays after the turnover, Washington intercepted Jaron Keawe-Sagopolutele, giving the Tigers possession at their own 25-yard line.
Cal eventually broke through when Kamar Mothudi scooped up a loose ball and returned it for a touchdown, putting the Golden Bears ahead 7-0 with 5:15 remaining in the opening quarter.
Clemson answered early in the second.
Nolan Hauser connected on a 30-yard field goal to complete an 11-play, 59-yard drive and cut Cal’s advantage to 7-3.
Davidson Gives Clemson the Lead
The Tigers’ offense found its rhythm later in the second quarter.
After London Merritt recorded a third-down sack to force a Cal punt, Clemson put together a methodical 66-yard touchdown drive that lasted 17 plays.
The Tigers converted two fourth downs during the possession before Davidson finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.
Clemson moved in front 10-7 with 5:37 remaining in the first half.
Cal had an opportunity to answer before halftime, driving into Clemson territory and attempting a 51-yard field goal.
The kick fell short.
Clemson entered halftime with the lead after outgaining the Golden Bears 179-94. The Tigers also held Cal without an offensive point in the first half and controlled the clock for 19:12.
Cal Ties the Game
The Golden Bears opened the second half with their most productive offensive possession of the night.
Cal drove into Clemson territory, but Andy Burburija broke up a third-and-2 pass to force the Golden Bears into a field-goal attempt.
Cal’s 30-yard kick was good, tying the game at 10.
The tie did not last long.
Clemson’s special teams unit delivered the game’s biggest momentum swing when Bryant Wesco Jr. returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown with 3:57 remaining in the third quarter.
The touchdown gave Clemson a 17-10 advantage and marked the program’s first punt-return touchdown since Amari Rodgers returned one 58 yards against Boston College on Nov. 10, 2018.
Davidson Breaks the Game Open
Clemson had an opportunity to add to its lead early in the fourth quarter, but Hauser missed a 48-yard field goal wide left.
It was Hauser’s first missed field-goal attempt of the season and gave Cal possession at its own 30-yard line with 9:14 remaining.
The Golden Bears could not capitalize.
Champ Thompson and Jeremiah Alexander combined for a sack that helped force Cal into a third-and-long situation, and the Golden Bears eventually punted.
Clemson took over at its own 2-yard line with 5:32 remaining.
Rather than simply run out the clock, the Tigers delivered the knockout punch.
Davidson broke through the Cal defense and sprinted 75 yards for his second touchdown of the evening, pushing Clemson’s lead to 24-10.
Washington then intercepted Keawe-Sagopolutele for the second time, effectively ending California’s final hopes.
Reynolds added an important third-down scramble later in the possession, allowing Clemson to finish off the victory.
Defense Leads the Way
Clemson’s offense did enough to win, but the defense and special teams were the difference.
Washington’s two interceptions highlighted a secondary that consistently made life difficult for Cal’s quarterbacks. The Tigers also received sacks from Merritt, Alexander and Thompson while limiting the Golden Bears’ opportunities to sustain drives.
Clemson’s ability to create turnovers, win critical third downs and produce a 65-yard punt return touchdown allowed the Tigers to overcome an inconsistent offensive night.
For Davidson, meanwhile, the trip to Berkeley became a breakout performance.
His 159 rushing yards accounted for the bulk of Clemson’s offensive production on the ground, and his two touchdowns provided the points the Tigers needed to pull away.
What’s Next:
Clemson returns home to Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 3, for a major ACC matchup against No. 6 Miami.
The ACC and its television partners have placed the game on a six-day selection window to determine the kickoff time and broadcast network. Those details remain to be announced.
Cal will look to regroup after dropping its first ACC road game of the season.
