Gideon Davidson shines with career-high rushing performance in Friday night win
Category: Sports
On September 25, 2026, the Clemson Tigers (3-1, 2-0 ACC) clinched a 24-10 victory against the California Golden Bears (2-2, 1-1 ACC) in a late-night game at California Memorial Stadium. The win was highlighted by a standout performance from running back Gideon Davidson, who rushed for a career-high 159 yards and two touchdowns.
Davidson's impressive showing came at a time when Clemson needed it most, as the team faced challenges both offensively and defensively. The victory marked Clemson's second consecutive win in the Atlantic Coast Conference, bolstering their position in the league ahead of a challenging matchup against the sixth-ranked Miami Hurricanes next week.
The game kicked off at 10:30 p.m. Eastern, marking Clemson's latest kickoff since a 1982 game in Japan, and ended just before 2 a.m. Eastern. The first quarter was marked by a series of missteps, including a fumble by quarterback Tait Reynolds that led to California's only touchdown of the night, a scoop-and-score by Kamar Mothudi. This gave the Golden Bears an early 7-0 lead.
Clemson responded with a 30-yard field goal from kicker Nolan Hauser, narrowing the gap to 7-3. The Tigers then took the lead with a one-yard rushing touchdown from Davidson, capping a 66-yard drive that showcased their resilience. By halftime, Clemson had outgained California 179 to 94 in total yards, but only led 10-7.
In the second half, California tied the game at 10-10 with a field goal, but the momentum shifted when Bryant Wesco Jr. returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown, marking Clemson's first punt return touchdown in eight years. This electrifying play put Clemson ahead 17-10.
As the game progressed, Davidson delivered a decisive blow with a 75-yard rushing touchdown with just under three minutes remaining, extending Clemson's lead to 24-10. Davidson’s performance, which included 22 carries, showcased his ability to break tackles and accelerate past defenders, solidifying his role as a key player for the Tigers.
Clemson's defense also played a fundamental role in the victory, limiting California's offense to just three points after the first quarter. Cornerback Elliot Washington II was particularly impressive, intercepting California quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele twice, effectively shutting down any potential scoring drives. Washington's contributions were instrumental in maintaining pressure on the Golden Bears, who struggled to find rhythm throughout the game.
Defensive leaders Jerome Carter III, Corey Myrick, and Sammy Brown each recorded eight tackles, demonstrating a cohesive effort to contain California's offense. Clemson’s defensive line also made its presence felt, with London Merritt, Jeremiah Alexander, and Champ Thompson combining for two sacks, contributing to a total of 231 yards allowed.
Looking ahead, Clemson faces a formidable challenge as they prepare to host the Miami Hurricanes on October 3. Miami, currently ranked sixth in the nation, presents a tough test for the Tigers, especially considering their recent struggles in the passing game. Coach Dabo Swinney acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We’re a long way away from hoisting a trophy or anything like that. But at the end of the day, we’re 3-1, we’re still undefeated in the league.”
Quarterback Tait Reynolds, in his first road start, completed 13 of 21 passes for 106 yards but also faced challenges, including an interception and a fumble. As Clemson gears up for a high-stakes matchup, finding a rhythm in the passing game will be a priority. Swinney emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes, noting that “just some early-game mistakes on things that he’s gotta clean up that aren’t that hard.”
With a strong showing from Davidson and a solid defensive performance against California, Clemson aims to build on this momentum. The upcoming game against Miami will be an opportunity to showcase their growth and determination in pursuit of an ACC title.
As the Tigers return to Memorial Stadium, fans are eager to see if the team can replicate their success and maintain their conference standing. The kickoff time and broadcast details for the game against Miami are still to be announced, but anticipation is building as Clemson looks to continue their winning streak.