Tigers Keep Bowl Hopes Alive with UVa Win |
The Clemson Tigers took another huge step toward bowl eligibility, and perhaps a permanent head coaching job for Dabo Swinney, on Saturday at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville.
The Tigers got a late, gut-check drive from their young offensive line and tailback James Davis, two key interceptions by the defense, and held on to win a hard-fought 13-3 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers in their last ACC game of the season. In a game that was typical of so many the Tigers (6-5, 4-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) have wound up losing the last few season, a slugfest at the line of scrimmage, the defense stood tall for the second straight week, allowing only 190 total yards, and the Tiger offense scored all of their points off of Virginia turnovers. “These wins are hard to come by, and you’ve got to enjoy every one of them,” said Clemson intern head coach Dabo Swinney. “We enjoy every win any way we can get it. This is a group of kids who have been through a lot. It’s a very resilient team with a lot of character. I think that’s what you’re seeing. They’ve come together and they’re playing for what’s most important — each other.” Clemson put the only touchdown of the game on the board early, following a Michael Hamlin interception of Virginia quarterback Marc Verica at the Cavalier 20-yard line. Spiller took the pitch from quarterback Cullen Harper, sprinted out wide, and hit Tyler Grisham in the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown and 7-0 Tiger lead. The touchdown pass was the first of Spiller's illustrious career, and it marked the highlight for him on a day when the Cavalier defense focused on taking away his big-play ability. On Virginia's next possession, Verica hit Rashawn Jackson with a short pass and Byron Maxwell came up to make the tackle, with the resulting hard hit popping the ball free. Jock McKissic recovered for the Tigers near midfield, and eight plays later Mark Buchholz kicked a 32-yard field goal to make it 10-0. The Cavaliers had a first-and-goal at the nine on their next possession after driving 60 yards. However, they lost eight yards on its next three plays, and Robert Randolph kicked a 34-yard field goal for a 10-3 Clemson lead, which would hold up until the fourth quarter. The game almost turned in Virginia's favor in the third quarter, when center Thomas Austin snapped the ball before Harper was ready on third-and-4 from Virginia's 23-yard line. Harper appeared to fall on the ball, but his tumble popped the ball free and Virginia's Vic Hall recovered for the Cavaliers at their 47. On the next play, Verica hit Kevin Ogletree down the left sideline with, Sadat Chambers in one-on-one coverage, for an apparent tying touchdown, but the officials flagged him for offensive pass interference, despite replays showing differently. Three plays later, Virginia was forced to punt, ending that drive. “We just had trouble converting when we needed the chance to get some points, especially when we were down in the red zone,” stated Olgetree. “We just have to get points out of drives more. That’s what we’ve got to do—it takes points to win the game and we didn’t have enough today. We held them to 13 points so the offense has to do a better job.” The Cavaliers drove to the Tigers' 27 on their next possession and went for it on fourth-and-1, but Maxwell made another huge play when he tackled tailback Cedric Peerman for a 5-yard loss. “He has been playing a lot of football and he’s starting to emerge as the big, physical corner,” said Swinney. “He’ll hit you with his eyes open. We’ve got a lot of young guys playing some critical roles for us.” After another three-and-out for the Tigers, Clemson's Crezdon Butler intercepted a Verica pass and returned it 31 yards to Virginia's 36-yard line, setting up Buchholz's second field goal of the game that produced the final score. On that drive, the offensive line paved the way for Davis on several carries, perhaps giving a glimmer of the potential Clemson coaches have been talking about season. “We had a lot of momentum and [Virginia] had an off week,” said Davis. “I think that kind of helped us, having that momentum coming from our last game and bringing it here. Going out there with that passion to win the game, I think that brought a lot to the table.” Clemson won despite converting just 5-of-18 third down opportunities, and gaining just 56 total rushing yards on 39 attempts. Davis led Clemson with 65 yards on 18 carries, while Harper was 18-for-28 for just 121 yards.
Clemson (6-5,4-4) vs. Virginia (5-6,3-4)
Upgrade Your Account
Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.
Upgrade Now
