Despite Welsh's success, the Tigers' record against the Cavaliers stood at 29–0 after Clemson defeated the 1989 Virginia team that captured the ACC co-championship. Behind a high-powered offense with Shawn Moore, Herman Moore, and Terry Kirby and a strong defensive effort led by Chris Slade, the Cavaliers finally defeated Clemson, which was ranked in the top ten at the time, in the second game of the 1990 season.
Despite Welsh's success, Clemson's record against the Cavaliers remained undefeated at 29–0 after they defeated the 1989 Virginia team that won the ACC co-championship. With a powerful offense and a strong defensive unit, the Cavaliers eventually triumphed over Clemson in their second game of the 1990 season.