Instant Halftime Analysis: Clemson 10, Virginia Tech 10

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sat Dec 03 21:43:12 GMT-04:00 2011

What went right: The Tigers started freshman LB Stephone AnthonyStephone 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 BoydTajh 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.

For the most part, the defense played lights out. They were able to hold the running of Thomas and David Wilson in check. The defense gave up 158 yards in the first half – not outstanding – but better than recent efforts.

Boyd was 14-for-21 in the first half for 118 yards, while Andre EllingtonAndre Ellington
RS Jr. Running Back
#23 5-10, 190
Moncks Corner, SC
View Full Profile had 63 yards on 13 carries.

What went wrong: The growing pains for Xavier BrewerXavier 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 MeeksJonathan 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 BranchAndre 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

Turning Point of the Half:At this point, you would have to say it was just the fact that the offense got some confidence early, and the defense held them on the first drive.

Stats of the Half: The Tigers ran 41 total plays in the first half, a nice change from recent weeks and put them on a pace to break 80, one of the goals that offensive coordinator Chad Morris sets for each game. The Tigers had 195 total yards and had the ball fro 16:48.