First half analysis: Clemson vs. Troy

by TigerNet Staff - Sat Sep 03 17:09:11 GMT-04:00 2011

First Half Instant Analysis: Troy 16, Clemson 13

Breakdown of first half of Clemson’s opener vs. Troy

CLEMSON – The Troy Trojans came into the game as 15-point underdogs to the Clemson Tigers, but lead the home team by a 16-13 score at the half.

What went right: The opening series of the game. Mike BellamyMike Bellamy
Fr. Running Back
#5 5-10, 187
Nocatee, FL
View Full Profile returned the opening kickoff 39 yards, Andre EllingtonAndre Ellington
RS Jr. Running Back
#23 5-10, 190
Moncks Corner, SC
View Full Profile had a 26-yard run on the first play from scrimmage, and Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS So. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 230
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile threw a 33-yard pass to Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
Fr. Wide Receiver
#7 6-2, 200
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile on the second play that Watkins took in for a touchdown.

Chandler CatanzaroChandler Catanzaro
RS So. Punter / Kicker
#39 6-2, 205
Greenville, SC
View Full Profile is 2-for-2 on field goals, from 41 and 46 yards out, and punter Dawson ZimmermanDawson Zimmerman
Jr. Punter / Kicker
#96 6-2, 205
Lawrenceville, GA
View Full Profile has averaged 43 yards per punt on five punts, including one that was downed at the one-yard line.

What went wrong: A lot. Clemson’s offense is 0-for-8 on third down and Clemson has just 42 yards of total offense since the first drive. The offensive line is getting chewed up, and the runners have little room to run and Boyd has been pressured heavily. Frankly, the first half looked a lot like last season with teams stopping the run and daring the Tigers to pass.

The defense has allowed Troy to convert 4-of-9 third down conversions and has given up 195 total yards.

Keys to the second half: Obviously, the offensive line has to play better, protect Boyd and open up the running lanes for Ellington. Defensively, the Tigers need to get Troy’s offense off the field and get more pressure on Troy’s quarterback, who was 12-for-17 in the first half.

STATS: Boyd is 6-for-12 for 62 yards passing, while Andre Ellington has 67 yards on 11 carries. Other than Boyd and Watkins, no other Tiger has carried the football.