Instant Analysis: Clemson 45, Boston College 31 Final

Photo by Greg M. Cooper / US PRESSWIRE

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sat Sep 29 19:16:26 GMT-04:00 2012

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - Instant Analysis: Clemson 45, Boston College 31

What went right: Clemson’s offense had a three-and-out on the first drive, but scored on its next three possessions. Chad MorrisChad Morris
Offensive Coordinator / QBs
View Full Profile did a fantastic job of mixing up the play-calling, mixing in the run with Andre EllingtonAndre Ellington
RS Sr. Running Back
#23 5-10, 195
Moncks Corner, SC
View Full Profile , keepers by quarterback Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Jr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile , and plays with the short to intermediate passing game.

Chandler CatanzaroChandler Catanzaro
RS Jr. Punter / Kicker
#39 6-2, 195
Greenville, SC
View Full Profile hit a first quarter field goal, his 16th consecutive dating back to last season.

After a rocky start, the defense posted two consecutive three-and-outs, allowing Boston College minus-2 yards on the drives.

After Boston College took a 21-17 lead in the second quarter, the Clemson offense responded with a crucial touchdown drive. The drive covered 76 yards and lasted 13 plays. The offensive line opened several big holes for Ellington on the drive.

Clemson opened up the second half by scoring the first 14 points – Boyd hit Hopkins on a 58-yard bomb to set up the second score as the Tigers put some distance between themselves and the Eagles.

Nuk Hopkins was unstoppable for most of the game, and Boston College simply didn’t have an answer. Hopkins wound up with a career-high 197 yards receiving on 11 catches. The 197 yards is also a Clemson record, breaking the record of 182 yards set by Rod Gardner against UNC in 2000.

Garry PetersGarry Peters
RS So. Defensive Back
#26 6-0, 195
Conyers, GA
View Full Profile came into the game late in the first half and started the first play of the second half and played well. His interception with 5:45 remaining ended a Boston College scoring threat…the interception was the first of his career.

One drive later, Travis BlanksTravis Blanks
Fr. Defensive Back
#11 6-1, 190
Tallahassee, FL
View Full Profile batted down a 4th-down pass to end another BC scoring threat.

Ellington had a 46-yard run late in the game that pushed him over the 100-yard mark for the second time this season. He wound up 25 rushes for 132 yards.

The Clemson rush defense was much better this week, giving up just 51 yards on 28 carries.

What went wrong: Clemson’s defense looked like the Clemson defense of a week ago on Boston College’s first drive, allowing the Eagles to go 84 yards and score.

Shortly after stopping Boston College on a fourth down play near midfield, Morris reached into his bag of tricks for a flea-flicker type of play, but Boyd threw into double coverage and it was intercepted.

Corner Bashaud BreelandBashaud Breeland
RS So. Cornerback
#17 6-0, 195
Allendale, SC
View Full Profile fell on long second quarter pass – the play covered 49 yards and set up the second Boston College score. The drive covered 92 yards.

Boston College converted a fourth down from the Clemson 31-yard line late in the second quarter, with Chase Rettig tossing a 31-yard scoring strike to Alex Amidon. The drive got off to a bad start for Clemson when the Eagles ran a trick play, with wide receiver Bobby Swigert tossing a 28-yard pass to Spiffy Evans.

The Tigers allowed Boston College back in the game late in the third quarter as a safety lost the inside coverage after a play-fake by Rettig. The play turned into a 41-yard TD pass to Amidon.

Leading 45-31 with just under nine minutes remaining, Clemson went for it on 4th-and-1 at the BC 48-yard line, but McDowell was knocked backwards before he reached the line of scrimmage.

Following Peters’ interception, Clemson was unable to run out the clock after Boyd fumbled.

Turning Point of the Game:Boyd threw a 4-yard TD pass to tight end Brandon FordBrandon Ford
Gr. Tight End
#80 6-4, 240
Wando, SC
View Full Profile with 23 seconds left in the half, taking the momentum back from Boston College and giving the Tigers a 24-21 halftime lead. Clemson then scored the first two touchdowns of the second half, and Boston College never pulled within two scores.

Stat of the Game: Hopkins had with a Clemson record 197 yards receiving on 11 catches to more than make up for Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
So. Wide Receiver
#2 6-1, 205
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile ' absence.