Clemson defeats Maryland 45-10 in Death Valley, moves to 9-1 on the season

Photo by Joshua S. Kelly / US PRESSWIRE

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sat Nov 10 18:28:24 GMT-04:00 2012

CLEMSON – Homecoming and a chance to win a program record 12th consecutive game at Death Valley were the main storylines for Clemson’s game against Maryland on Saturday, and the only drama a few minutes into the game centered on what the final score would be.

Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Jr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile threw three touchdown passes, defensive end Corey CrawfordCorey Crawford
So. Defensive End
#93 6-5, 270
Columbus, GA
View Full Profile returned a fumble for a score and Clemson jumped to a 28-0 lead barely a minute into the second quarter as Clemson did indeed win its 12th consecutive game at home in rolling 45-10 over the Terrapins Saturday afternoon.

With the win, Clemson improves to 9-1 overall, 6-1 in the ACC. Maryland falls to 4-6 overall, 2-4 in the conference. The win was the sixth consecutive for Clemson, while the Terrapins lost their fourth in a row.

Boyd finished the day by hitting 18-of-26 passes for 261 yards before giving way to backup Cole StoudtCole Stoudt
So. Quarterback
#8 6-5, 205
Dublin, OH
View Full Profile early in the third quarter, but he also had two fumbles, one that cost Clemson a chance at a second quarter touchdown. However, all 12 of the consecutive wins have come in Boyd’s starts – he has never lost a game he has started at home.

The final point total also gives the Tigers 37 or more points in nine consecutive games, continuing the program record.

The teams traded punts on the game’s first two possessions, but the Tigers cracked the scoreboard on their second drive of the game. The Tigers faced a third down just past midfield on the drive, and Boyd’s pass over the middle to Watkins was juggled by the sophomore, who then snatched the ball out of the air and ran for a 21-yard gain. Three plays later, Boyd hit Adam HumphriesAdam Humphries
So. Wide Receiver
#16 5-11, 190
Spartanburg, SC
View Full Profile in the middle of the end zone – Humphries made a diving catch for 13 yards and his first career touchdown – and the Tigers led 7-0.

On the next drive, Maryland quarterback Shawn Petty rolled to his left looking for a receiver in the flat. Defensive end Corey Crawford kept the containment on Petty, and then rushed towards the Maryland quarterback, who fumbled when he was hit. Crawford then picked up the fumble and rumbled 16 yards for the touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

The teams traded fumbles – the first gave Maryland the football near midfield but Malliciah GoodmanMalliciah Goodman
Sr. Defensive End
#97 6-4, 270
Florence, SC
View Full Profile got it right back when he hit Petty – and Boyd and Nuk Hopkins made them pay. Boyd hit Hopkins in the corner of the end zone – a 28-yard toss – and Clemson led 21-0 late in the first quarter.

The Tigers’ next possession was more of the same, and ended when Boyd hit tight end Brandon FordBrandon Ford
Gr. Tight End
#80 6-4, 240
Wando, SC
View Full Profile down the left sideline to complete a 22-yard pass for a 28-0 lead barely a minute into the second quarter.

Clemson forced a Maryland punt, but Humphries muffed the catch and Maryland took over at the 18-yard line. Two plays later, Petty hit a wide-open Devonte Campbell from 17 yards out and Clemson’s lead was 28-7.

Clemson had a chance to score again, driving inside the Maryland 10-yard line, but Boyd fumbled as he struggled to get into the endzone and Maryland took over on its own two-yard line. Clemson’s defense gave up a big run to start the drive, but held and forced a Terrapin punt. Nine plays later, Ellington capped the drive with a six-yard carry to paydirt and Clemson led 35-7 at intermission.

The Tigers continued the onslaught in the second half, forcing Maryland into a three-and-out to begin the half. Boyd hit Martavis BryantMartavis Bryant
So. Wide Receiver
#1 6-5, 200
Calhoun Falls, SC
View Full Profile over the top for a 48-yard gain, setting up Chandler CatanzaroChandler Catanzaro
RS Jr. Punter / Kicker
#39 6-2, 195
Greenville, SC
View Full Profile ’s 22-yard field goal and Clemson led 38-7.

The Tigers attempted a 55-yard field goal by Spencer BentonSpencer Benton
RS Sr. Punter / Kicker
#13 6-1, 195
Myrtle Beach, SC
View Full Profile later in the third quarter, but the kick was short, midway through the endzone. Maryland’s Dexter McDougle grabbed the errant kick and returned it 74 yards to the Clemson 26-yard line. Not only was the kick off the mark but the Tigers didn’t look prepared for the fact that Maryland could return the kick. The Terps turned that into a 39-yard field goal by Brad Craddock.

Clemson put in the reserves late in the third quarter, and Cole Stoudt led a drive that last 16 plays and into the fourth quarter. The drive ended when Stoudt – who converted a fourth down play earlier in the drive – hit Stanton SeckingerStanton Seckinger
RS So. Tight End
#81 6-4, 210
Isle of Palms, SC
View Full Profile from four yards out for a 45-10 lead.

The Tigers have two games left in the regular season, both at home. Clemson finishes ACC play against N.C. State next weekend, and then hosts rival South Carolina the following weekend.