Instant halftime analysis: Clemson 31, NC State 0

Deshaun Watson has rushed for two TD's and thrown for two

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sat Oct 04 17:11:43 GMT-04:00 2014

CLEMSON – Deshaun Watson Deshaun Watson
Fr. Quarterback
#4 6-3, 204
Gainesville, GA
View Full Profile and Clemson’s defense are making it look too easy in Death Valley Saturday afternoon.

Watson has carried the ball 11 times for 63 yards and has thrown for two scores as Clemson is dominating NC State 31-0 at halftime Saturday afternoon in Death Valley.

Player of the half: Take your pick – Watson or Clemson’s defense. The defense didn’t allow a first down until late in the first half, and the Pack didn’t cross the midfield stripe until just over three minutes left in the half.

Watson has been spectacular in both the run game and through the air, and he has three scampers on third down that have turned into first downs.

Clemson’s defense looked like it would give up a score late in the half, but the defensive line flushed quarterback Jacoby Brissett out of the pocket and the final eight seconds ran off the clock.

Stat of the half:Total yards – the Tigers have 312 total yards and NC State has 38. Overall, the Tigers are 9-12 on third down, while State is 0-6.

What’s working for the Tigers:The running game. The Tigers started with Wayne GallmanWayne Gallman
RS Fr. Running Back
#9 6-1, 209
Loganville, GA
View Full Profile at running back, and Gallman has eight carries for 45 yards and Watson has 11 carries for 63. Overall, Clemson has rushed 27 times for 130 yards.

Defensively, the Tigers have been getting consistent pressure on State quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

Mike Williams has five catches for 131 yards - and he's doing it on his 20th birthday.

What’s not working for the Tigers:The deep balls haven’t been as plentiful this week, and Watson has thrown a couple into double coverage. Penalties also hurt the Tigers late in the first half – two personal foul penalties and a holding penalty kept a State drive alive. However, the Tigers managed to hold State scoreless.

What the Tigers need to do to win:Continue to run the football and get pressure on Brissett. He hasn’t had a ton of time to throw, and the Tigers have been close to several sacks. Offensively, it would be good to see Watson and the tight ends synch up and find a rhythm.