Instant Halftime Analysis: No. 9 Clemson 16, Maryland 7

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Sat Oct 26 17:08:17 GMT-04:00 2013

COLLEGE PARK, MD – The Clemson Tigers managed to sleep walk through much of the first half Saturday, but hold a 16-7 lead over Maryland at half time in Byrd Stadium in the last ACC game for the Tigers in College Park.

The Tigers scored their only touchdown of the half with nine seconds remaining before intermission when quarterback Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Sr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile hit freshman tight end Jordan LeggettJordan Leggett
Fr. Tight End
#16 6-6, 235
Navarre, FL
View Full Profile in the corner of the end zone on a 5-yard scoring toss.

The Tigers had called their last timeout following a running play to Rod McDowell with 14 seconds remaining, setting up the pass to Leggett.

The defense gave up a 71-yard touchdown pass on the Terps’ second drive of the game, but appeared to come out of its slumber after the scoring drive.

The offense on the other hand, moved the ball at times between the 20’s, but couldn’t find the endzone.

Player of the half: Chandler CatanzaroChandler Catanzaro
Gr. Punter / Kicker
#39 6-2, 195
Greenville, SC
View Full Profile hit all three of his field goal attempts in the first half, giving Clemson its only points of the day. Catanzaro entered the game 5-of-6, and has been successful on a cold, windy day in College Park.

Stat of the half:Before going to the two-minute offense just before the half, Clemson ran the ball 26 times for 94 yards and threw the ball 19 times for 139 yards, showing a more balanced attack than they have in the last three weeks.

What’s working for the Tigers: The running game with Roderick McDowellRoderick McDowell
Gr. Running Back
#25 5-9, 195
Sumter, SC
View Full Profile and Zac BrooksZac Brooks
So. Running Back
#24 6-1, 185
Jonesboro, AR
View Full Profile was working for the Clemson offense. The Tigers rushed for 105 yards against a Maryland defense that is only giving up 123 yards per game on the ground this season.

Overall, Clemson had 294 total yards, 19 first downs, ran 51 plays and held the ball for over 17 minutes of the opening 30 minutes – all of which magnified the failures in the red zone.

What’s not working for the Tigers: Red zone offense was not pretty during the first half. The Tigers had the ball three times inside the Maryland 20-yard line, only to bog down in the red zone. The Clemson defense has been susceptible to big plays all season, and Saturday was no different. During Maryland’s first three drives, the Terps had 5 plays of 10 yards or more and three plays of 20 or more yards.

What the Tigers need to do to win: The Clemson offense had success moving ball in the first half, but needs to get better in the red zone if they want to leave Byrd Stadium with a win. The defense on the other hand, needs to do eliminate the big play, take better angles and do a better job of tackling.