No. 2 Clemson closes home schedule with 61-3 win over The Citadel
Clemson (10-1, 8-1), on Military Appreciation Day, welcomed The Citadel (5-6, 3-5) into Memorial Stadium for an afternoon ballgame and the Tigers marched out with a 61-3 victory.
With the win, Clemson's senior class wrapped up their home careers 27-1 overall. A single loss, by a single point, on a last-second field goal by Pitt in 2016.
The Citadel took the opening drive out towards mid-field, before stalling at Clemson's 40 after going for it on 4th and 5. It would be The Citadel's most productive drive until late in the contest.
During Clemson's first opportunity, the Tigers found themselves backed up after a chop block. Facing a 3rd and 20, Kelly Bryant hit Deon Cain from 53 yards out giving Clemson their first score of the day.
On The Citadel's next possession, the rush-heavy Bulldogs tried to thread a pass downfield, but Trayvon Mullen snagged a textbook interception.
Bulldog quarterback, Dominique Allen threw what could be deemed a perfect pass, Mullen broke on the ball, stepped in front of the receiver and pulled in Clemson's first turnover of the game.
Starting at the 49-yard line, Travis Etienne carried the ball four times on the six-play scoring drive. The true freshman electrified the crowd with a 20-yard run, then promptly equaled Clemson's former lightning in a bottle, C.J. Spiller, with his 10th rushing touchdown of the season.
The Citadel's offense was stuffed again on their next possession losing a yard on three plays.
Following a 45 yard punt, Clemson marched 69 yards to extend their lead to 21-0.
On Senior Day, the Tigers tried to work one to senior D.J. Greenlee from 12 yards out that would have been his first career touchdown. Instead, the ball dropped right through his awaiting hands.
Greenlee would assist on the next play, giving a guy familiar with the end zone, Hunter Renfrow a block that freed him for another Clemson score. Renfrow's reception was his first touchdown of the season and only his second career touchdown in Death Valley.
Clemson's defense continued their first-half dominance forcing a second consecutive three-and-out. The Tiger offense seized on another scoring opportunity racing 57 yards on seven plays.
On the drive, Bryant spread the ball around to several receivers, but it was Tee Higgins who made several nice receptions on the drive. Higgins would lead the Tigers in receiving on the day with 178 yards and two touchdowns.
T.J. Chase closed the drive with a 13-yard touchdown giving Clemson a 28-0 lead with 11:49 left in the second quarter.
It was more of the same for The Citadel offense as they managed four plays on their next opportunity. Unfortunately, the drive went backward again, as the Bulldogs lost 12 yards on the possession.
The next Clemson drive would be the last for Bryant who was pulled out after Clemson's eight play 45-yard drive was capped by a 26-yard field goal from Alex Spence expanding the lead to 31-0.
Bryant finished the day 17-22 for 230 yards and three touchdowns.
Zerrick Cooper entered the game on the following Clemson series, and the Tigers punted for the first time during the contest. However, on his next opportunity, Cooper helped Clemson move the ball 81 yards on six plays for a Tiger score.
The drive ended with freshman Tee Higgins' 32-yard “tip drill” touchdown reception from Cooper. The touchdown, Higgins' first career touchdown, gave Clemson a 38-0 lead just five seconds before the end of the first half.
The second half would feature both Cooper and Hunter Johnson at quarterback.
Johnson was first off the bench in quarter three and things didn't change regarding the rapid assault on the scoreboard.
On the first play of the second half, Johnson handed off to Tavien Feaster who jetted 61 yards for a touchdown giving Clemson a 45-0 lead just 14 seconds into the half.
Clemson's next opportunity with the football, Johnson hit Deon Cain in stride for a 41-yard reception. Etienne bounced outside on a 19-yard rush, two plays later Etienne was back in the end zone for the 11th time this season, a new Clemson freshman record.
Later, Higgins hauled in a one-handed grab, evaded a defender and sprinted to the end zone on a 78-yard touchdown reception as Clemson's lead grew to 58-0 with 3:42 left in the third quarter.
With 6:09 left in the 4th quarter Christian Groomes tacked on a 39-yard field goal giving Clemson their 61st point of the day.
Clemson's defense was just as dominant during the contest. Clemson didn't give up a single passing yard until under six minutes remaining in the game.
Ironically, The Citadel hit on a 61-yard pass, down 61-0 late in the fourth quarter giving them a chance to put their first points on the board. Clemson's defense held firm and forced the Bulldogs to attempt a field goal from 30 yards out making the final margin 61-3.
The Tigers defense forced The Citadel into eight punts, two turnovers on downs, and two interceptions during the game.
Clemson wraps up the regular season next Saturday at 7:30 in Williams-Brice Stadium against South Carolina.
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