Clemson trails SMU by a score of 16-7 at Memorial Stadium. Below is an analysis from both sides of the ball:
Offense:
— Redshirt sophomore Christopher Vizzina recorded his first start as a Clemson Tiger, taking over for senior Cade Klubnik, who was sidelined from an ankle injury. Vizzina finished the half completing 13 of 17 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown.
– On the team’s second drive of the game, Vizzina was hit by linebacker Brandon Miyazono, fumbling the ball. The team then turned the ball over at midfield. Following the fumble, Clemson recorded three straight three-and-outs to limit action on the offensive side of the ball.
– The Tigers got in the end zone for the first time in the second quarter. Vizzina led a 75-yard drive that took only six plays, hitting receiver TJ Moore with a 32-yard score.
— Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley rolled the dice on 4th-and-1, using the jumbo package to attempt to pick up a yard with defensive tackle Peter Woods. SMU stopped Woods and took over in Clemson territory.
— Clemson has only amassed 147 total yards of offense in the first half. Besides the touchdown drive, the Tigers recorded only 72 yards throughout the 30-minute period.
Defense:
— The Clemson defense was stout against the run throughout the first half, allowing just 37 yards total on the ground. However, the Mustangs were able to find holes in the defense through the air, passing for 154 yards and a touchdown.
— The opening possession for the Mustangs began on their own nine-yard line after a 50-yard punt by Clemson’s Jack Smith. The drive came to an end after just five plays with a sack split by Sammy Brown and Wade Woodaz, which was the second tackle for both linebackers during the drive.
— Following a quick three-and-out in its second possession, SMU struck quickly in its third drive with just one play. The Mustangs’ quarterback Kevin Jennings completed a deep pass to a wide-open Jordan Hudson, which allowed Hudson to strut into the end zone untouched and open the game’s scoring.
— After two straight three-and-outs, SMU looked to drive the field on its first possession of the second quarter. The Mustangs were able to gain two first downs and 33 yards, but the Tigers held them to a 51-yard field goal to end the drive.
— The Clemson defense held SMU to a field goal for the second-straight drive following the Tigers’ first touchdown. The unit would do all the same in its next defensive stand following a failed fourth down conversion by the offense that set up the Mustangs with great field position on the Clemson 31-yard line.
