The Clemson Tigers soundly defeated the Georgia Southern Eagles by the score of 38-7 on Saturday.
The Tigers seemed to be moving well early, but Kelly Bryant threw an interception on what was supposed to be a screen pass. The ball traveled slowly, perhaps due to the wind. The interception was the first turnover of the season for the Tigers.
Despite an offside penalty on Christian Wilkins, the Georgia Southern offense was forced off of the field after just three plays thanks to the defensive line’s ability to stop the run.
The offense had another very promising drive that started with an outstanding 17 yard gain on the ground by Kelly Bryant. The drive continued thanks to efforts by backs Tavien Feaster and Travis Etienne. After a chop block penalty was assessed to the offense, Greg Huegel missed a 39 yard field goal.
After the defense was again able to force a three-and-out thanks in large part to a sack on 3rd down by Austin Bryant, Trevor Lawrence saw his first snap of the game at quarterback. Although the offense again succeeded in maintaining a drive, the series was ended when Adam Choice fumbled the ball at the 48 yard line.
Following another dominant defensive stand, Lawrence began moving the offense down the field. Hunter Renfrow made an outstanding catch and was able to pick up yards after the catch thanks to an athletic change of direction move for a 32 yard gain. Travis Etienne capitalized on the drive with a 1 yard touchdown.
The defense was again able to force the Eagles off of the field after only 3 plays, which allowed Bryant to return to the game. Following a solid run, Bryant hit the ground hard and was pulled off to the sideline. With Lawrence back on the field, Reciever Justin Ross had the play of the game when he caught a pass over the middle and juked around 3 defenders on his way to a 57-yard touchdown catch.
The Tigers added on to their lead at the end of the first half thanks to a herculean effort by Travis Etienne. Over 5 carries, Etienne was able to rack up 70 yards on the 76 yard drive. Feaster scored the 1-yard touchdown right before the end of the half.
The second half was marked by more outstanding defense by the Tigers, who only allowed 140 yards the entire game. The Eagles did avoid a shutout thanks to a fake play in which the Shai Werts, the Georgia Southern quarterback, threw the ball out wide to receiver Obe Fortune, who then aired the ball down field to Wesley Kennedy for a 40 yard gain and position in the red zone. The Eagles capitalized on this opportunity when quarterback Shai Werts rushed the ball for a touchdown.
Etienne enjoyed a productive second half as well, finishing the game with 162 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on just 16 carries.
With teams like Syracuse and NC State on the horizon, the Tigers have to feel good about the way they handled their business against a proud Georgia Southern team.