No. 8 Clemson is locked in an unexpected battle with Troy after 30 minutes of gametime. The Trojans lead 16-3 entering halftime thanks to a staunch defensive effort and some poor play from Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik.
Klubnik, who entered the 2025 season as a Heisman Trophy favorite, struggled to push the ball down the field through the first quarter and a half. Late in the second quarter, he made a back-breaking mistake with Clemson right next to its own goal line.
Klubnik attempted to get a quick pass out to create some space, but the ball was batted at the line of scrimmage and into the hands of Troy defender TJ Thompson. Thompson essentially fell forward into the end zone for a defensive touchdown that gave Troy a 16-0 lead.
Clemson’s veteran quarterback did bounce back near the end of the first half. He led a seven-play, 57-yard drive that resulted in a 25-yard field goal from kicker Nolan Hauser for Clemson’s first points of the game.
Keep it locked here as CBS Sports provides you with live updates, highlights and analysis Clemson looks to avoid a massive upset early in the 2025 season.