On This Date: 1983 Clemson- 41 Georgia Tech- 14

Sep 24, 2021, 11:16 AM

09/24/1983
Clemson, SC

Eppley, Clemson Rout Tech 41-14

By: DAN LOHWASSER
UPI Sports Writer

CLEMSON, S.C. -- Quarterback Mike Eppley scored twice as Clemson converted three first-half turnovers into touchdowns Saturday to rout Georgia Tech 41-14 in an Atlantic Coast Conference football game.

The Tigers broke the game open midway through the first half when they scored three times within four minutes. They took a 24-7 lead at halftime and the struggling Yellow Jackets, 0-3, never recovered.

Clemson, 2-1-1, struck on its first possession when the Tigers' defense picked off a Stu Rogers' pass on the Tech 38. Eppley scored on a 1-yard run five plays later. Bob Paulling added a 26-yard field goal in the final seconds of the first period and Clemson took a 10-0 lead into the second quarter.

The Tigers intercepted reserve quarterback John Dewberry on his own 13-yard line on the first play of the second period, and Eppley hit Terrence Roulhac with an 11-yard touchdown pass and the rout was on.

The Yellow Jackets committed their third costly turnover on the next possession when Clemson recovered a Ronny Cone fumble on the Georgia Tech 25-yard line. Anthony Parete made it 24-0 with a 4-yard run with 11:23 to play in the half.

Dewberry, who replaced Rogers after the Tech starter suffered a sprained knee, scored Georgia Tech's first touchdown on a 66-yard run with 6:43 to play in the second quarter. The Yellow Jackets threatened again late in the first half, but the drive stalled on the Clemson 14-yard line and Ron Rice missed a 31-yard field goal.

In the second half, Clemson struck on their opening series with Stacey Driver scoring on a 2-yard run. The drive was keyed by a 47-yard run to the Georgia two by Kenny Flowers, who led Clemson's offensive attack.

Flowers scored from 1 yard out with 2:00 remaining in the third period, and Donald Igwebuike tacked on a 41-yard field goal to round out the scoring.

Georgia Tech moved 82 yards against Clemson's second-team defense in the game's closing minutes and Joel Carter scored on a 1-yard run.

The game was Georgia Tech's first conference matchup since becoming eligible for the ACC football championship this year. But since Clemson is on probation, the game does not count in the standings for either team.

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On This Date: 1983 Clemson- 41 Georgia Tech- 14

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