Instant Analysis: Clemson 36, Boston College 14 Final

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sat Oct 08 18:12:29 GMT-04:00 2011

Instant Analysis: Clemson 36, Boston College 14

What went right:

The Tigers didn’t have many problems moving the ball, scoring an early touchdown on a pretty pass from quarterback Tajh BoydTajh Boyd

RS So. Quarterback

#10 6-1, 225

Hampton, VA

View Full Profile to Jaron BrownJaron Brown

RS Jr. Wide Receiver

#18 6-2, 200

Cheraw, SC

View Full Profile , and then getting a 14-yard run by Boyd later in the first quarter.

Backup quarterback Cole StoudtCole Stoudt

Fr. Quarterback

#8 6-4, 200

Dublin, OH

View Full Profile did a commendable job of moving the team when Boyd went out with an injury.

Running back Andre EllingtonAndre Ellington

RS Jr. Running Back

#23 5-10, 190

Moncks Corner, SC

View Full Profile finally got loose – this time on a 35-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that gave the Tigers a 22-point cushion.

Punter Dawson ZimmermanDawson Zimmerman

Sr. Punter / Kicker

#96 6-2, 205

Lawrenceville, GA

View Full Profile took over on Clemson’s second kickoff, and has filled in quite nicely for Spencer BentonSpencer Benton

RS Jr. Punter / Kicker

#13 6-2, 195

Myrtle Beach, SC

View Full Profile , who is out with a shoulder injury. His kickoff after Clemson’s second field goal went out of the end zone.

Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins

Fr. Wide Receiver

#7 6-1, 200

Fort Myers, FL

View Full Profile has also shown an ability to make tough catches over the middle, and then made a 62-yard grab in the third quarter in which he went up over the cornerback to take the ball away.

Kicker Chandler CatanzaroChandler Catanzaro

RS So. Punter / Kicker

#39 6-2, 200

Greenville, SC

View Full Profile kicked five field goals, and is now 5-for-6 this season on field goals from 40-plus yards, including one into the wind in the third quarter that hit the crossbar and went over. He is also 10-for-12 overall on the season.

What went wrong:

The defense has made Boston College receiver Bobby Swigert look like an All-Pro, and missed several tackles on Boston College’s touchdown drive.

Swigert was also a pain for Clemson on third down.

Obviously, the injury to Boyd is a concern, and what heard just before we left to head down for interviews is that he had X-rays and they were negative and the Clemson training staff was calling it a hip injury.

If Boyd can’t go next week, it would be a tall order for a true freshman to go on the road in his first collegiate start and win.

Turning Point of the Game:

With Clemson leading 29-14 and Boston College starting to gain some confidence, Ellington got loose on the long touchdown run, giving the Tigers and Stoudt the breathing room they needed.

Stats of the Game:

Chandler Catanzaro was 5-for-5 on field goals and is now 10-for-12 on the season. The Tigers also didn’t commit a turnover, and gained over 500 yards of total offense. Boyd had 282 yards passing before his injury, while Sammy Watkins went over 150 yards receiving again.