Instant Analysis: Clemson 35, Wofford 27

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sat Sep 10 19:35:42 GMT-04:00 2011

What went right: Clemson won, and the offense gained 476 total yards. The defense gave up just six points in the second half after allowing 21 points in the first half.

What went wrong: A LOT. Poor tackling by the defense plagued the Tigers last week and is a problem again this week. The defense also allowed a long touchdown pass by Wofford – 66 yards – after the receiver was left all alone in the secondary.

Wofford faced a 3rd-and-9 in the second quarter, and converted on a RUN, which is unacceptable for a team that is supposed to have more size, speed and talent. The hole on third down was huge.

Later in the drive, the Terriers converted on fourth down on fake punt, the punter rumbling 26 yards for a first down in Clemson territory. Later in the drive, the Wofford offensive line bowled over the Clemson defense at the goal line for a 21-13 lead.

In the second half, the problems continued and the Tigers allowed 399 yards of total offense, including 272 on the ground for a 4.8 yard per carry average.

The offensive line continues to have problems gaining one or two yards on crucial downs. The Tigers also allowed four first half sacks of Boyd and five sacks overall, although one was when a running back completely lost a blitzing linebacker.

Center Dalton FreemanDalton Freeman
RS Jr. Offensive Line
#55 6-5, 285
Pelion, SC
View Full Profile said after the game that the offensive line simply hasn’t prepared well the last two weeks. Not an encouraging note considering the Tigers host Auburn next week.

The kicking game looks like a mess again. A botched hold led to the lack of a conversion on an extra point, and Chandler CatanzaroChandler Catanzaro
RS So. Punter / Kicker
#39 6-2, 205
Greenville, SC
View Full Profile missed a 43-yard field goal. Late in the game, the coaching staff decided to try a fake field and holder Spencer BentonSpencer Benton
RS Jr. Punter / Kicker
#13 6-2, 195
Myrtle Beach, SC
View Full Profile dropped the ball on the ground for a nine-yard loss and a turnover on downs.

Turning Point of the Game: Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS So. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 230
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile hit DeAndre HopkinsDeAndre Hopkins
So. Wide Receiver
#6 6-1, 195
Central, SC
View Full Profile on a 17-yard strike early in the fourth quarter, providing the cushion to keep the Terriers at bay.

Stat of the game: Wofford - The Terriers were 2-for-3 on fourth down. Clemson – Andre EllingtonAndre Ellington
RS Jr. Running Back
#23 5-10, 190
Moncks Corner, SC
View Full Profile had 165 yards rushing on 22 carries.