By Rachel Eagleton

Clemson Athletic Comm.

news@thepccourier.com

CLEMSON — Top-ranked Clemson moved to 11-0 for the first time since its 1981 national championship season with a 33-13 win over Wake Forest on Saturday.

The Tigers also celebrated Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day, with special segments honoring seniors and veterans throughout the game.

Kerry Gilstrap/Courier
Clemson freshman quarterback Kelly Bryant, a Wren graduate, carries the ball during the Tigers’ win over Wake Forest on Saturday.

The members of the Clemson senior class earned their 43rd career win with the victory over the Deacons, setting a school record. With their 43-7 overall record, the seniors also have the best winning percentage in program history at 86 percent.

“I’m excited to be 11-0,” Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said after the game. “That’s what this senior group has done — they’ve won and made this program better, and they’re leaving it better than when they came, which is what a legacy is all about. We have state championship week now and a chance to go 12-0, so we have to play our best game of the year, and we are going to prepare to do that.”

The Tiger defense lit the fire early with a fumble forced by Ben Boulware and recovered by Kevin Dodd. The defense allowed only 152 yards in the game.

Sophomore sensation Deshaun Watson ignited the offense by going 24-of-35 through the air with four touchdowns in the first half. The offense totaled 552 yards — 381 passing and 171 on the ground. It was the school-record seventh consecutive game with more than 500 yards of offense for the Tigers.

In addition, Deon Cain joined Sammy Watkins in becoming the second first-year freshman in Clemson history to record a touchdown in four consecutive games.

After an electric first half, the Tigers took a more relaxed approach in the second half, allowing plenty of reserves to see action on the field.

Clemson finished the ACC regular season with an 8-0 record for the first time in history.

The Tigers will be looking to extend their perfect season to 12-0 with a trip to Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia this week to take on rival South Carolina, which lost 23-22 to FCS foe The Citadel on Saturday. The game, scheduled to kick off at noon on Saturday, will be televised live on ESPN.