Clemson needed a weekend where all phases of the game were clicking, a weekend that they would leave no doubt on the field or the scoreboard, and that is exactly what the Tigers got against Boston College on Saturday.
Clemson defeated the Eagles 59-7, the largest defeat by either team in the series. The win would be the Tigers’ sixth 30+ point win this season, tied with Ohio State for the most in the FBS this season. Clemson won its 23rd consecutive game with the win, extending its own school record and the current longest streak in the FBS.
Needing the big win more than anyone was quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who had his best game of the season, going 16-for-19 with 275 yards and three touchdowns, giving him 22 total touchdowns on the year. Lawrence looked crisp to start the game, completing his first nine passes before having an incompletion. He delivered some excellent passes all game before giving way to Chase Brice in the second half. The sophomore has unfairly shouldered much of the criticism surrounding the team this year, but Lawrence has handled it well and seems to be peaking just as the temperatures start to fall.
Paws Up: Clemson plays its most complete game to date
Clemson played its most complete game against Boston College, winning by 52 points and virtually dominating the Eagles in every phase of the game. Clemson outgained Boston College 674-177, and, outside of AJ Dillion’s second quarter touchdown run, the Eagles could get nothing going on offense. Lawrence threw three touchdowns, two of which went to receiver Diondre Overton, who caught another touchdown pass from Chase Brice later in the fourth quarter. Travis Etienne also had himself a day; the junior rushed for 109 yards and three touchdowns, the fifth three-score game of his career. The Tiger defense held Boston College to just 10 first downs, and dominated the Eagles’ run-heavy offense. Prior to the game, Boston College ranked No. 6 overall in rushing offense, averaging 278.3 yards per game. The Eagles only mustered 97 rushing yards against the Clemson defense. Another tip of the cap to Mr. Brent Venables.
Paws Down: Xavier Thomas misses another game
There was not much to award a Paws Down to (yes, it was that great of a game for Clemson), but having defensive end Xavier Thomas on the bench another week was a bit of a bummer. The sophomore missed his second consecutive game after suffering a concussion prior to the Louisville game. The Tigers ended up not needing Thomas again, and with the level of talent on Clemson’s defensive front, it makes complete sense to let Thomas get 100 percent healthy before bringing him back. Word about his availability for this week has not been announced yet, but fans should know within the next couple of days.
Paws Up: Diondre Overton’s big night
Clemson is known for producing some of the best wide receiver talent in the country, but one name fans might not be as familiar with is senior Diondre Overton. Overton was a member of both national championship teams and has embraced his role as a reserve. Overton decided to stay at Clemson after receiving his degree, and the decision paid off. He hauled in three touchdown passes on Saturday night while racking up a career-high 119 receiving yards. His three scores also tied the school record for most touchdown receptions in a game. Just another piece of Wide Receiver U in action.
The Tigers (8-0, 6-0 ACC) will remain at home this weekend as they host in-state opponent Wofford (5-2, 4-1 SOCON). The Terriers come in winners of five straight following their 0-2 start.
