Heard in the Press Box: Stories of the Game
Heard in the Press Box:
Quote: "Etienne makes the 10-yard runs look impressive." - speaking of Travis Etienne's first carry which went for 20-yards, but was none-the-less impressive.
Rumbled: Clemson's defense once again showcased why they are considered one of if not the best in college football. The Deacons were 4 of 16 on third down during the game. Clemson limited Wake Forest to just 133 yards on the ground and 203 through the air the majority of those coming once Clemson led 21-0.
Stumbled: In the first half, Clemson had multiple opportunities to expand on their 14-0 lead, but failed to score on their next five drives before a nine play 68-yard drive in the third quarter capped by Travis Etienne's 1-yard touchdown run making it 21-0 with 7:31 remaining in the quarter.
Turning point: Honestly, this one probably turned before the kickoff in Death Valley. I know I was supposed to give Wake Forest a chance, but I didn't. Hearing that their starting quarterback, John Wolford, wasn't going to play, I decided to brush up on my Sodoku skills during the first half. Wolford's ability to make plays would have helped the Demon Deacons; there was no chance Kendall Hinton was leaving Death Valley with a win. Give him credit though as he would lead two 4th quarter scoring drives to cut into Clemson's lead.
Unsung hero: Cornell Powell: After being called for holding, backing Clemson up 10-yards on 3rd down, the Tigers would soon punt. Will Spiers would hit a good one, and the kick was sailing towards the end zone for a touchback. Powell made up for his previous mistake, diving and tossing the ball back into the field of play. Clemson would down the ball at the 4-yard line. The effort-play saved Clemson 16-yards of field position.
Key stat: Kelly Bryant was injured on Clemson's drive that extended the Tiger's lead to 21-0. After that score, Clemson's offense only moved the ball 29 yards on their next two possessions. Clemson turned to Hunter Johnson on the following series, and the true freshman led Clemson on a 32-yard scoring drive to extend the lead to 28-0.
Scoring Summary:
First quarter
CLEM: Deon Cain 28-yard reception: Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:01 - Clemson 7 - Wake Forest 0
CLEM: Adam Choice 4-yard run: Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 5:07 - Clemson 14 - Wake Forest 0
Second quarter
None
Third quarter
CLEM: Travie Etienne 1-yard run: Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 3:38 - Clemson 21 - Wake Forest 0
Fourth quarter
CLEM: Cannon Smith 13-yard reception: Drive: 4 plays, 32 yards, 1:20 - Clemson 28 - Wake Forest 0
WAKE: Scotty Washington 13-yard reception: Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 3:09 - Clemson 28 - Wake Forest 7
WAKE: Cam Serigne 11-yard reception: Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 4:05 - Clemson 28 - Wake Forest 14