Clemson blanks Charleston Southern 37-0 for first shutout in five seasons

Clemson defeated Football Championship Subdivision opponent Charleston Southern 37-0 on Saturday, securing its first shutout in five seasons. The Tigers improved their record to 4-2 and extended their all-time record against FCS teams to 41-0.

Senior running back Chris Johnson Jr., who transferred to Clemson from SMU this past offseason, rushed for two touchdowns on runs of 6 and 2 yards. The offense scored on its first five possessions and ran for 231 yards, a significant increase from the 55 yards allowed by Miami two weeks prior. Tailback Gideon Davidson contributed a 7-yard touchdown run and finished with a game-high 59 yards rushing.

Kicker Nolan Hauser added three field goals, including a career-long 59-yarder in the final minute before halftime. His final kick of the game, a 44-yard attempt in the second half, was the only scoring play for Clemson after the break. The defense held Charleston Southern to 0-for-11 on third downs, marking the first time the Tigers have held a team scoreless since defeating South Carolina 30-0 in 2021.

Special teams also contributed to the margin of victory when safety Kylon Griffin recovered a fumble on a kickoff and returned it for a touchdown. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney noted the team's execution, stating, “Fun to see us play well. Fun to see us execute, best we have as a team all season.” Johnson added that while the offense put up its highest point total of the season, “we've got more to go to get where we want.”