Instant Analysis: No. 8 Clemson 59, Virginia 10

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Sat Nov 02 19:07:04 GMT-04:00 2013

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Clemson did what good teams do.

They took care of business on the road, routing Virginia 59-10 at Scott Stadium Saturday night.

It was over when: The Tigers led 14-7 with just under five minutes to play in first half when freshman safety Jayron KearseJayron Kearse
Fr. Safety
#20 6-4, 205
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile intercepted a David Watford pass and returned it 37-yards, setting up a Clemson touchdown. The Tigers would score three times before intermission, making the score 35-7 and essentially putting the game out of reach.

Game ball goes to: Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Sr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile has caught his fair share of heat this season, and minus an early interception, was all but spectacular during his Virginia homecoming. Boyd played two-and-a-half quarters and finished the day 24-of-29 for 377 yards and three touchdowns. Boyd also accounted for a rushing touchdown right before halftime.

Stat of the game: At one point, late in the second quarter, Clemson had minus-19 yards rushing, but Roderick McDowellRoderick McDowell
Gr. Running Back
#25 5-9, 195
Sumter, SC
View Full Profile ’s 25-yard touchdown run before the half sparked the ground game, which ended the day with 179 yards rushing (before taking a knee to end the game).

What it means for Clemson: Clemson head coach Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney
Head Coach
View Full Profile preached this week about making it a November to remember, and the Tigers started the month off as well as could be expected. The Tigers improve to 8-1 overall and 6-1 in conference. Clemson is still battling for at-large BCS bowl bid and a convincing win on the road Saturday night can only fuel those hopes.

What it means for Virginia: With the loss, Virginia falls to 2-7 overall and 0-5 in conference. The Cavs are on a six-game skid and must find a way to get back in the win column. Next weekend at North Carolina may just be their only chance until the final week of the regular season when UVa hosts a struggling Virginia Tech team.