Record setting day started with offensive line

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Sun Nov 18 17:14:57 GMT-04:00 2012

CLEMSON- The staff at Death Valley ran out of fireworks, but there was no shortage of firepower on the field.

The Clemson offense exploded for 754 yards in a 62-48 win over N.C. State Saturday night in Death Valley, rushing for 328 yards while quarterback Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Jr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile completed 30-of-44 passes for 426 yards and five touchdowns.

Offensive coordinator Chad MorrisChad Morris
Offensive Coordinator / QBs
View Full Profile said the credit for Tigers’ offensive performance should go to the offensive line.

"We had to settle for some field goals,” Morris said. “We scored on our first three drives. I thought our o-line played extremely well. Nobody ever blinked. It was, 'We got this.' Unbelievable confidence tonight on the sidelines, even when we trailed. Let's do what we do. I'm so proud of those guys and so proud of the way Tajh played. But it starts with the o-line. And that needs to be said."

Clemson was up 62-45 and the Wolfpack kicked a field goal to close the gap to 14 points with 7:35 remaining in the game; however, Clemson’s offensive line took over once again, allowing the Tigers to run out the clock and secure their 10th regular season victory.

Morris said the offensive line knew they needed first downs and they weren’t going to be denied.

"I think that says a lot about our line,” Morris said. “We talked about milking the clock. We needed first downs and we were going to do whatever we needed to do. We ran hard and effective. Those o-linemen took a lot of pride into this. This team was third in the country in sacks and our line knew that going in."

Saturday’s offensive performance was second to none, and Morris said that even his son Chandler and the other coaches’ children knew what was at stake.

"That's probably at the top,” Morris said. “Chandler and all the coaches' kids were running around telling me, 'Hey, we're at 88. Hey, we're at 95.' The guys wanted to hit that 100-play mark. They'll remember this one."

In addition to Boyd’s 426-yard passing day, he also ran the ball 18 times for 105 yards and accounted for an ACC record eight touchdowns and Morris said it’s a no-brainer that Boyd should be included in Heisman talks.

"There's no doubt,” Morris said. “I think he's one of the best in the country if not the best. You see what he's done. He's been as consistent as anybody. What he's done for this team is unbelievable."

According to Morris, Boyd is left out of Heisman consideration because he only played the first half in the Tigers previous three contests.

"A lot has to do with the prior three weeks, him only playing a half of a game,” Morris said. “I think that's hurt him. We were trying to be smart with him. We could have left him in there, but you're not going to do that. I hope he gets mentioned, though. Because he should be.”