Instant Halftime Analysis: Clemson 34, S.C. State 0

Artavis Scott reacts after scoring a first half touchdown

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sat Sep 06 14:09:29 GMT-04:00 2014

CLEMSON – There was no sluggishness for Clemson in a dominant first half as Clemson leads South Carolina St. 34-0 at halftime Saturday in Death Valley.

Player of the half: The Clemson offense will get all of the credit in the first half after putting up 34 points before intermission, but it was the defense that was the most impressive. The Tiger defense held South Carolina State to 30 total yards and two first downs, with 37 yards coming on one play. Every facet of the defense was impressive – the defensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, the linebacker made plays and set the edge and the defensive backs broke up passes when they were thrown their way.

Stat of the half: Three freshmen – Deshaun WatsonDeshaun Watson
Fr. Quarterback
#4 6-3, 204
Gainesville, GA
View Full Profile , Wayne GallmanWayne Gallman
RS Fr. Running Back
#9 6-1, 209
Loganville, GA
View Full Profile and Adam ChoiceAdam Choice
Fr. Running Back
#26 5-10, 211
Thomasville, GA
View Full Profile have a combined 17 carries for 82 yards. The Tigers have 392 total yards, while South Carolina State has the 30 total yards.

What’s working for the Tigers: Pretty much everything. The freshmen have played and done well, and freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson continues to shine. He entered late in the first quarter and led a touchdown drive that ended with a touchdown toss to Charone PeakeCharone Peake
RS Jr. Wide Receiver
#19 6-3, 204
Moore, SC
View Full Profile .

What’s not working for the Tigers:The blocking from the tight ends has been – quite simply – non-existent at times. The tight ends finally got involved in the passing game – Jordan LeggettJordan Leggett
So. Tight End
#16 6-5, 251
Navarre, FL
View Full Profile had two receptions – but the blocking has to get better, especially when the competition improves.

Other thoughts

* Grady JarrettGrady Jarrett
Sr. Defensive Tackle
#50 6-1, 290
Conyers, GA
View Full Profile has turned into the leader of this team, meeting the captains as they came off the field after the coin toss, and then gathering the defense before the first series, giving what looked like an inspired speech.

*Wayne Gallman and Adam Choice have gotten more carries than C.J. DavidsonC.J. Davidson
RS Jr. Running Back
#32 5-10, 203
Clemson, SC
View Full Profile and D.J. HowardD.J. Howard
RS Sr. Running Back
#22 6-0, 205
Lincoln, AL
View Full Profile and have impressed. Gallman turned an early loss into a seven yard gain, and Choice runs downhill. Gallman has six rushes for 41 yards, and Choice has seven rushes for 37 yards. Watson has five carries for 20 yards, so the three freshmen have 18 carries for 98 yards. Watson is 5-for-5 for 105 yard through the air.

*Watson entered to a huge cheer from the crowd, and many in attendance were holding up four fingers in anticipation of Watson’s entrance into the game.

*All of the freshmen have combined for 216 total yards from scrimmage