Clemson’s defense was a disaster for the most part on Saturday afternoon vs. Wake Forest.

However, the Tigers were able to survive after getting a stop on Wake’s final offensive possession in overtime. Clemson won the game, 51-45.

Quarterback Sam Hartman finished the game with 6 touchdown passes. He threw for 337 yards — a total that would have been much higher if not for Clemson’s repeated pass interference penalties.

After it was over, coach Dabo Swinney had an honest — and hilarious — evaluation for his defense’s performance.

“The only good thing I can say is we gave up 6 touchdown passes, not 7,” Swinney said. “That’s the only good thing I can say.”

Keeping that 7th touchdown out of the end zone is ultimately what saved the game for the Tigers. Wake Forest scored a touchdown on just 1 of its final 4 drives of the game.

Hartman’s 6 touchdown passes vs. Clemson is a new ACC record vs. the Tigers, at least since 2000

. Only 2 other quarterbacks have passed for that many scores against the Tigers this century.

Clemson was without Andrew Mukuba and Sheridan Jones for this contest. If they return to the lineup healthy, Clemson’s defense could re-gain some form.

The Tigers face NC State in Week 5.