Instant Halftime Analysis: Clemson 35, Wake Forest 7

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Thu Oct 25 21:00:44 GMT-04:00 2012

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - Instant Halftime Analysis: Clemson 35, Wake Forest 7

What went right: Clemson’s offense muddled through the first two possessions, but Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Jr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile found a wide-open Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
So. Wide Receiver
#2 6-1, 205
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile down the left sideline for a 57-yard gain, setting up Clemson’s first touchdown. Running back Andre EllingtonAndre Ellington
RS Sr. Running Back
#23 5-10, 195
Moncks Corner, SC
View Full Profile had a key blitz pickup on the play, allowing Boyd time to throw.

On Clemson’s next series, Watkins got loose again, catching a pass from Boyd and turning it into a 61-yard touchdown, his first receiving touchdown of the season.

Clemson’s defense forced Wake Forest to punt three times in the first quarter.

Linebacker Tig Willard had an awesome series in the second quarter – on one play he fought off a block on a drag route and made the tackle on the receiver at the sideline. On the next play, Willard fought off another block and sacked Wake quarterback Tanner Price for a seven yard loss, forcing a Demon Deacon punt.

Wide receiver Jaron BrownJaron Brown
Gr. Wide Receiver
#18 6-2, 205
Cheraw, SC
View Full Profile had a slick grab of a second quarter Boyd pass, gaining 29 yards.

Three different receivers caught passes against Virginia Tech a week ago, but Boyd completed touchdown passes to five different receivers in the first half, and had completions to nine different receivers.

Watkins set a career-high in receiving yards with 177 in the first half. His previous career-high was 155 yards.

Clemson had four sacks of Tanner Price in the first half.

Xavier BrewerXavier Brewer
Gr. Defensive Back
#9 5-11, 190
Jacksonville, FL
View Full Profile forced a bad pitch on a first quarter option play, and Wake lost 20 yards on the play.

What went wrong: Clemson’s offense started slow for the second straight week, getting one first down on its first two possessions.

The Tigers played well defensively in the first half, but did give up a touchdown to the Demon Deacons late in the first half.

Turning Point of the Half:Boyd’s long pass to Watkins in the first quarter – it gave the Clemson offense a spark and it was never close after that as the Tigers scored on five straight possessions.

Stat of the Half: The Tigers managed just 295 total yards a week ago, but had 345 in the first half. Tajh Boyd completed 17-of-21 passes for 286 yards and five touchdowns.