WATCH: Clemson uses trickery to find end zone vs Wake Forest

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby:Jonathan Wagner•11/20/21•

Jonathan Wagner

With Clemson leading 10-3 over Wake Forest with the ball on the goal line and just over five minutes remaining in the first half, the Tigers called for some trickery to score a touchdown. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei motioned out wide, and the direct snap went to running back Will Shipley.

Shipley then dashed forward towards the line of scrimmage. But before Wake Forest could react, Shipley leaped up, tossing the ball into the end zone to Davis Allen for the touchdown. The touchdown game Clemson a 17-3 lead.

The first half was a solid one for Clemson. Uiagalelei completed nine of his 17 passes for 132 yards and an interception, and he also rushed for 16 yards. In addition to tossing a touchdown for Clemson, Shipley also had eight carries for 33 yards and a score in the first half. Running back Kobe Pace also had a strong start to the game with 10 first half carries for 78 yards.

Clemson carried a 17-10 lead over Wake Forest into halftime.

Shipley has been a key leader for Clemson this season

Entering Saturday’s game Shipley led Clemson with 438 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Kobe Pace has also had a solid year running the ball with 341 yards and three touchdown. Pace averages 5.6 yards per carry, leading the team.

The two have been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing offense this season. Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott has liked what he’s seen from his two running backs.

“When you may not have everything blocked the way you want it, those two type of guys are an eraser — a lot like Travis [Etienne] was,” Elliott said. “He was an eraser. He could make things right when it’s not pretty. So excited to get those guys back this week.

“I think Shipley brings a big piece of leadership from a vocal standpoint but more importantly from how he plays and how he runs. He inspires his teammates around him, and that’s what great players do,” Elliott said. “They make their teammates better by raising the level of play of their teammates. And the same thing with Kobe.”