{
  "id": 9923632,
  "title": "Clemson hits the west coast, picks up impressive ACC win over Cal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/clemson-hits-the-west-coast-picks-up-impressive-acc-win-over-cal",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T06:07:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/clemson-hits-west-coast-picks-060717245.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Clemson demonstrated their emerging identity as a team by securing an impressive 24-10 victory over California in Berkeley. The Tigers achieved this success through a combination of a strong defense, a potent running game, and the emergence of their young playmakers. Gideon Davidson led the charge as the team's leading back, accumulating 159 rushing yards and two touchdowns over the course of the game. His decisive 75-yard touchdown in the final minutes of the match proved crucial, effectively ending any chance of a Cal comeback. Freshman Davidson had already surpassed 100 rushing yards in each of his last two games, following a stellar 105 yards against North Carolina earlier in the week. Clemson's defense, throughout the match, consistently pressured Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, forcing him into limited passing attempts and ultimately leading to the interception totals of Elliot Washington II. This defensive performance was pivotal in allowing Clemson's offense to control the game. The Cal offense struggled to generate consistent production, managing a mere 231 total yards, while Clemson's 253 rushing yards showcased their dominance in that category. In a remarkable turn of events, Cal's much-anticipated wide receiver production was halted, as Bryant Wesco returned a punt for a 65-yard touchdown in the third quarter, marking the Tigers' first punt-return touchdown in nearly eight years. Freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds didn't have to shoulder the offensive burden, completing 13 of 21 passes for 108 yards and adding 28 yards on the ground, providing crucial support to Davidson and Clemson's established running game. The Tigers' recent form, following a recent loss, has now seen them secure consecutive conference victories, resulting in a 3-1 overall record and an unbeaten 2-0 record in the ACC. However, the road ahead remains challenging, as Clemson will face a significant matchup against Miami in the coming Saturday's game at Memorial Stadium.",
  "summary": "Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers took a trip to the west coast to pickup a solid ACC win over the Cal Golden Bears.",
  "key_points": [
    "Clemson defeats Cal 24-10 in ACC match",
    "Gideon Davidson leads with 159 rushing yards and 2 TDs",
    "Freshman Tait Reynolds supports offense with 108 passing yards"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}