Instant Halftime Analysis: Clemson 35, Maryland 7

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Sat Nov 10 17:02:09 GMT-04:00 2012

CLEMSON - Instant Halftime Analysis: Clemson 35, Maryland 7

Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Jr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile threw three touchdown passes and Clemson’s defense held Maryland to just 90 total yards as the Tigers lead Maryland 35-7 at the half in Death Valley. The Tigers turned it over three times in the half – once at the Maryland two yard line, or the score might have been worse.

What went right: Tajh Boyd found Adam HumphriesAdam Humphries
So. Wide Receiver
#16 5-11, 190
Spartanburg, SC
View Full Profile diving in the endzone for a 13-yard touchdown. The touchdown was the first of Humphries’ career.

In the first quarter, Maryland quarterback Shawn Petty rolled to his left with Clemson defensive end Corey CrawfordCorey Crawford
So. Defensive End
#93 6-5, 270
Columbus, GA
View Full Profile in hot pursuit. Petty lost the football and Crawford picked it up, rumbling 16 yards for a touchdown.

After a Tajh Boyd fumble, Clemson defensive end Malliciah GoodmanMalliciah Goodman
Sr. Defensive End
#97 6-4, 270
Florence, SC
View Full Profile got the ball back for Tigers after sacking Petty, forcing the fumble and recovering the fumble. With that recovery, it marked the ninth consecutive time that the Clemson defense had held the opposition scoreless following a Clemson turnover.

Boyd hit Nuk Hopkins in the endzone for the Tigers’ second offensive touchdown of the day. Hopkins has caught touchdown passes is seven consecutive games which is a Clemson record.

Brandon FordBrandon Ford
Gr. Tight End
#80 6-4, 240
Wando, SC
View Full Profile out-muscled the defender for a 22-yard touchdown and Clemson’s fourth score of the game.

The Tigers had the ball fourth-and-one on their own 45-yard line and elected to go for it. Andre EllingtonAndre Ellington
RS Sr. Running Back
#23 5-10, 195
Moncks Corner, SC
View Full Profile ran behind Eric Mac LainEric Mac Lain
RS Fr. Tight End
#88 6-4, 260
Hope Mills, NC
View Full Profile and Darrell SmithDarrell Smith
RS Jr. Fullback
#40 6-2, 250
Gadsden, AL
View Full Profile to pick up the first down.

Spencer ShueySpencer Shuey
RS Jr. Linebacker
#33 6-3, 230
Charlotte, NC
View Full Profile sacked Petty for a loss of 15 yards

After sitting out last week with a hamstring injury, Andre Ellington found his way into the endzone in the second quarter, showing no ill effects from the injury. He finished the first half 13 carries for 55 yards.

What went wrong: Boyd fumbled the ball midway through the second quarter as he struggled to get into the endzone, which was his fifth turnover in the last six quarters. He had an earlier fumble near midfield.

Humphries muffed a punt, giving Maryland the ball on the 18 yard line and setting up the Terps’ first touchdown of the afternoon.

Maryland’s touchdown came when the Clemson defense bit too hard on the play-action fake, leaving Devonte Campbell wide open for the touchdown.

Maryland has the ball at its own two following the Boyd fumble, and the Clemson defense let the Maryland running back get loose for a run that ended near midfield.

Clemson’s offensive line is still struggling to run block, especially on the right side.

Turning Point of the Half: Crawford’s fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Stat of the Half: Despite having three turnovers, the Tigers outgained Maryland 310 yards to 90 yards in the first half.