Instant Analysis: Clemson 38, Virginia Tech 10 |
Instant Analysis: Clemson 38, Virginia Tech 10
What went right: The Tigers started freshman LB
Stephone Anthony Fr. Linebacker #12 6-3, 235 Polkton, NC View Full Profile
in the regular package, and he forced a fumble on Tech quarterback Logan Thomas that led to a Clemson touchdown. Quarterback
Tajh Boyd RS So. Quarterback #10 6-1, 225 Hampton, VA View Full Profile
looked more settled in the pocket, and even hit his checkdown receiver two or three times early in the first quarter, a huge jump from past games when he was forcing everything down the field. The offense came out in the second half and played lights out, getting four touchdowns in their first four drives. Sprinkling in the running of Ellington, sweeps with Watkins and passes to Nuk Hopkins and
Dwayne Allen RS Jr. Tight End #83 6-3, 255 Fayetteville, NC View Full Profile
, the offense looked unstoppable and looked much like the team that won the first eight games of the season. The defense continued to put pressure on Thomas, and held David Wilson in check for most of the game. Ellington had over 100 yards and went over 1000 yards on the season. Watkins had another big night, setting several single-season Clemson records. The defense also forced two interceptions late in the game, while the offense didn’t turn it over. Clemson is going to the Orange Bowl!!! What went wrong: The growing pains for
Xavier Brewer RS Jr. Defensive Back #29 5-11, 190 Jacksonville, FL View Full Profile
at safety continue. Brewer was moved to safety before the Georgia Tech game because he is a better tackler than
Jonathan Meeks Jr. Safety #5 6-1, 210 Rock Hill, SC View Full Profile
. However, he has been behind several receivers and has been a part of the pass defense giving up big plays. Late in the second quarter, Thomas had just been sacked and the ensuing play was an incomplete pass after he was pressured, forcing a 3rd-and-long. However, Tiger defensive end
Andre Branch RS Sr. Defensive End #40 6-5, 260 Richmond, VA View Full Profile
threw Thomas to the turf late and picked up the roughing the passer call. Tech turned it into points Left tackle
Phillip Price RS Sr. Offensive Tackle #79 6-5, 315 Dillon, SC View Full Profile
went out in the third quarter with what looked like a right knee injury. Turning Point of the Game:The Tiger defense held Virginia Tech to a punt on the first drive of the second half, and the Tigers then marched 87 yards for a touchdown that put them back in front. The defense again held Tech, and Boyd hit
Sammy Watkins Fr. Wide Receiver #2 6-1, 200 Fort Myers, FL View Full Profile
on the first play from scrimmage for a 53-yard touchdown and the Tigers had all the momentum and never looked back. Stats of the Game:The 38 points tied for the most Virginia Tech has ever given up in a game against an ACC opponent. The Tigers had 460 yards of total offense, but it was the defense with nine pass breakups and three turnovers that ruled the day. They held ACC Player of the Year David Wilson to just 32 yards rushing.
Stephone Anthony
Tajh Boyd
Dwayne Allen
Xavier Brewer
Jonathan Meeks
Andre Branch
Phillip Price
Sammy Watkins
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