Overnight Sensation: Phil Mafah
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Junior running back, Phil Mafah, led the Tigers to victory on Saturday against the Irish. Following Will Shipley’s injury in Clemson’s road loss to NC State, Mafah knew he would have to be the driving force against Notre Dame.
Dabo Swinney commented on Mafah’s preparation and stated that he told Mafah he would have to ‘carry the load’ in Shipley’s absence.
“He knew what his role was going to be today. I challenged him all week, I said, ‘I want to be talking about our number seven once this game’s over.’”
That was certainly the case following the Tigers’ thrilling 31-23 victory over the 15th ranked Irish. Mafah ran for a career-high 186 yards, including a program record tying 36 carries.
In Shipley’s absence, Mafah definitely carried the load against the Irish. He rushed for two touchdowns and had his first 100-yard rushing game of the season and the second of his career.
Mafah scored his first rushing touchdown of the day on a 41-yard breakout run in the first quarter to put the Tigers up 7-3. The 41-yard run was the longest rushing touchdown of his career.
Mafah topped off his day with a second touchdown on a one-yard dive in the third quarter to put Clemson up 31-16 over the Irish. It was his eighth rushing touchdown of the season, which added to his single-season career high.
Mafah commented on the Tigers’ win in his postgame interview.
“It felt amazing. There is nothing better than winning at home. I just want to thank the fans for all they do— we couldn’t have done it without them. They give us a lot of encouragement and energy.”
Mafah’s total 186 rushing yards were the most by a Clemson player since Kobe Pace’s 191-yard rushing performance against Wake Forest in 2021.
Up next, the Tigers turn their focus to a tough Georgia Tech team. Clemson will face the Yellow Jackets on Military Appreciation Day on Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon on ABC.
Who will be our next Overnight Sensation? Keep up with ClemsonSportsTalk.com to find out!