Instant Analysis: Clemson 59, UNC 38 Final

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sat Oct 22 15:30:28 GMT-04:00 2011

Instant Analysis: Clemson 59, North Carolina 38

What went right:The Tigers scored 35 points in a big third quarter, taking what was a close game and turning it into a rout.

Quarterback Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS So. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile , who was pressured early, came up with a big day. He finished 27-for-46 for 367 yards and tied a school record with five touchdown passes.

Defensive end Kourtnei BrownKourtnei Brown
Gr. Defensive End
#90 6-6, 255
Charlotte, NC
View Full Profile had a big day, tying a Clemson record with two touchdowns. He scored the first one on a second quarter interception return, and then picked up a third quarter fumble and rumbled in for the score. It was the first time since 1954 a Clemson defensive lineman had scored two touchdowns in one game.

The 35 points in the third quarter also tied a Clemson record – the last time it was done was on Halloween against Wake Forest in 1981.

Sophomore receiver Nuk Hopkins had a huge day with a career-high in yards, gaining 157 on nine catches.

What went wrong: The defense has come up with the turnovers, but has also been burned in the passing game again. Renner twice hit long passes for touchdowns.

Kicker Chandler CatanzaroChandler Catanzaro
RS So. Punter / Kicker
#39 6-2, 200
Greenville, SC
View Full Profile had made nine field goals in a row, including one earlier, but pulled a 46-yarder just before the end of the half.

With the Tigers protecting the lead in the fourth quarter, freshman running back Mike BellamyMike Bellamy
Fr. Running Back
#5 5-10, 175
Nocatee, FL
View Full Profile had a fumble that led to a UNC touchdown.

Turning Point of the GameThe big third quarter when Clemson took a 24-17 lead and turned into a 59-24 lead.

Stats of the game:UNC quarterback Bryn Renner had three interceptions and the Tar Heels had four turnovers overall. Boyd and Hopkins had big days, but Brown’s day was a big part of Clemson’s success. Gotta love it when a redshirt senior defensive lineman gets two TD’s in one game.