The Tigers’ 59-35 victory, Mafah reassured fans, saying, “I’m all good.” On Clemson’s second offensive drive, he caught a short pass but got hurt after being tackled. He was slow to rise and eventually lay back down while trainers attended to him. He was able to walk off the field, heading straight to the injury tent, where he received cheers from the crowd.
After spending about five minutes in the tent, Mafah returned to the game and immediately scored a 38-yard rushing touchdown, finishing with a team-high 107 rushing yards. He later revealed that he had suffered a shoulder stinger but felt fine.
The game also featured a rare ejection for spitting. Parker. This incident occurred while Clemson was leading 42-7 and garnered attention on social media and during the ABC broadcast. Parker claimed he witnessed Belton spit on Williams, and Clemson coach Dabo Swinney confirmed that Williams informed him about the spitting incident. Swinney praised Williams for not retaliating.
NC State coach Dave Doeren expressed disappointment in Belton’s actions but added that Belton claimed he spat back after Williams had spit on him first. Doeren emphasized the importance of not retaliating, regardless of what may have transpired.
The altercation followed a play where Parker sacked NC State quarterback CJ Bailey, leading to some heated exchanges between players. Parker noted that Belton had been agitated throughout the first half, looking for a confrontation. He remarked on the competitive atmosphere, highlighting that trash-talking from NC State players only fueled his desire to win.
ABC sideline reporter Molly McGrath mentioned seeing a Clemson defender step near NC State quarterback Bailey’s head, which may have escalated tensions. A replay suggested Parker slightly shoved Bailey after the sack but did not step directly on his helmet.
