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 29–0 after they defeated the 1989 Virginia team that won the ACC co-championship. With a powerful offense featuring Shawn Moore, Herman Moore, and Terry Kirby, and a robust defensive effort led by Chris Slade, the Cavaliers eventually triumphed over Clemson, which was ranked in the top ten at the time, in their second game of the 1990 season.