Defense holds on fourth down late, Tigers leave BC with 17-13 victory |
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – For the second week in a row, Clemson’s defense held on fourth down deep in its own territory and saved an ACC win.
Tyler Murphy’s fourth-down pass with 49 seconds remaining skipped away from the receiver in the end zone, and Clemson’s offense did just enough as the Tigers (5-2, 4-1 ACC) escaped Boston College with a 17-13 victory. Last week at home against Louisville, Clemson’s defense held on inside its own 10-yard line to preserve the win. Saturday, Boston College had driven to the Clemson 26-yard line but missed on four straight plays as the Tigers held Boston College to just 263 total yards, 120 on the ground. Boston College (4-3, 1-2) missed an extra point on its second touchdown, and had to go for the touchdown instead of the tying field goal late. Clemson returns home to face Syracuse next week.
Cole StoudtCole Stoudt The teams traded punts throughout the first quarter, and it took two
Tavaris BarnesTavaris Barnes Four plays later,
Wayne GallmanWayne Gallman Clemson’s ensuing drive ended in a punt, and the Eagles took advantage of the short field and the absence of safety
Robert SmithRobert Smith Clemson took the lead at the half thanks to a drive that took the last 3:21 off the clock, getting a 23-yard field goal from
Ammon LakipAmmon Lakip The Tigers continued to move the ball on offense and shut down Boston College’s offense throughout the third quarter and into the fourth quarter, but dropped passes and a lack of execution kept Clemson out of the end zone and the Eagles were finally able to break through early in the fourth quarter. Safety
T.J. GreenT.J. Green Green then returned the kickoff short of the 20, and after two shaky throws Clemson faced a 3rd-and-long and Alumni Stadium was shaking as the BC fans began to smell a victory. However, Stoudt stood tall in the pocket and lofted a perfect pass to Mike Williams for a 32-yard gain and new life.
C.J. DavidsonC.J. Davidson The Tigers forced a Boston College punt, and Clemson had a chance at converting a third down on the ensuing possession but it appeared that Stoudt checked into a keeper that was well short of the marker.
Bradley PinionBradley Pinion
Sr. Quarterback
#18 6-4, 231
Dublin, OH
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was 29-of-45 for 285 yards. His favorite target was
Artavis ScottArtavis Scott
Fr. Wide Receiver
#3 5-11, 190
Oldsmar, FL
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who had 10 catches for 72 yards, but
Mike WilliamsMike Williams
So. Wide Receiver
#7 6-5, 208
Vance, SC
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had eight catches for 128 yards. Clemson’s offense did just enough to score the 17 points, but wound up with 398 total yards against the nation’s eighth-best defense.
RS Sr. Defensive End
#9 6-4, 273
Jacksonville, FL
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sacks of Tyler Murphy to set up Clemson’s first score. Barnes’ sacks forced a Boston College punt, and
Adam HumphriesAdam Humphries
Sr. Wide Receiver
#13 5-11, 193
Spartanburg, SC
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returned it 13 yards to midfield.
RS Fr. Running Back
#9 6-1, 209
Loganville, GA
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bounced out to the left side and scored untouched from 17 yards out for the 7-0 Clemson lead.
Sr. Safety
#27 5-11, 211
St. George, SC
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to put up their first points. Murphy hit Sherman Alston from 26 yards out, tying the game at 7-7 with 7:29 left in the first quarter.
RS Jr. Kicker
#36 5-10, 200
Alpharetta, GA
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as time expired for the 10-7 lead.
So. Safety
#15 6-3, 205
Sylacauga, AL
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– subbing for an injured Robert Smith – got lost in coverage and gave up a 48-yard pass play to the Clemson 36-yard line. Six plays later, Murphy hit Josh Bordner on a six-yard throw back across the field for a touchdown. However, the extra point was missed and Clemson trailed 13-10 with 10:59 remaining in the contest.
RS Jr. Running Back
#32 5-10, 203
Clemson, SC
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followed with a six-yard rush, Williams caught another 12-yarder and Davidson broke free for a 32-yard run that gave the Tigers a 17-13 with 9:35 left on the game clock.
Jr. Punter
#92 6-6, 230
Concord, NC
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boomed a 55-yard punt, but Murphy got loose on a 43-yard run that put BS inside the Clemson 40 with just over two minutes to play, setting up the final minute.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
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