College Football
Trevor Lawrence Leads Clemson to Victory over Georgia Tech 49-21
Trevor Lawrence threw for 178 yards and four touchdowns to defeat Georgia Tech on Saturday 49-21. Kelly Bryant started the game, but after two offensive drives stalling, Lawrence would check in and get the offense going. Trevor Lawrence would go on to throw three touchdowns in the first half. The Clemson defense wreaked havoc on the option all day. Georgia Tech came into the contest averaging almost 400 yards rushing a game and only managed 146 yards rushing against the Clemson defense.
1st Quarter
Georgia Tech received the ball to begin the game. The Yellow Jackets drove the field but the Clemson defense forced two fumbles to stall the drive. Georgia Tech failed to score any points as the kicker missed the field goal. Kelly Bryant was given the nod to start, but failed to find offensive success going three and out on both drives in the first quarter. Georgia Tech continued to struggle against the vaulted Tiger defense, fumbling the ball leading to a defensive touchdown. Another missed field goal would occur leading the Yellow Jackets to no points in the first quarter.
2nd Quarter
Trevor Lawrence found his way onto the field to start the second quarter. Lawrence proceeded to lead the Tigers down the field and connected with Hunter Renfrow for a 17 yard touchdown reception. Then on the next Clemson possession, Lawrence would hookup with Justyn Ross for a 53 yard touchdown reception. However, on the next Clemson possession, Trevor Lawrence would throw his first interception of the game on a botched screen play. The turnover led to Georgia Tech scoring its first points of the game. Lawrence and the Clemson offensive rebounded on the ensuing drive and scored on a 3 yard shovel pass to Travis Etienne in the final seconds of the first half.
Clemson 28 Georgia Tech 7
3rd Quarter
Trevor Larence started the second half for Clemson. The Tiger offense found its mojo on the opening drive, ending with an explosive run from Tavien Feaster for a 27 yard rushing touchdown. Clemson’s defense would allow a long scoring drive from Georgia Tech, before clamping down the rest of the quarter. Kelly Bryant checked back in at quarterback later in the third quarter. Bryant played his best offensive series helping lead a scoring drive capped off with a three yard rushing touchdown from Travis Etienne. Bryant played out the third quarter, but failed to find more offensive success.
4th Quarter
Clemson’s defense continued to cause problems in the fourth, stalling the first Georgia Tech drive. Chase Brice checked into the game for the Tigers at QB, but threw an interception trying to connect with wideout Justyn Ross. The turnover led to points for Georgia Tech as they scored on the ensuing drive. Trevor Lawrence checked back in to finish things out for the Tigers. Lawrence found wideout Tee Higgins for a 30 yard passing touchdown, his fourth passing touchdown of the day. Georgia Tech would get one final drive before being stymied from the Clemson defense and turning the ball over on downs. Clemson would run the clock out sealing the 49-21 victory over Georgia Tech.
Overall Thoughts
Clemson may have just witnessed their QB race start to show signs of a front-runner. Trevor Lawrence showed some moxy and effectiveness in the victory over Georgia Tech. I feel bad for Kelly Bryant because he is a true senior who has battled a lot to get to this point, but Lawrence has played that much better. The offense as a whole just clicks a little better for Clemson with Lawrence at the helm. The QB battle isn’t necessarily done yet, but Trevor Lawrence did what he needed to do to start making a case for being the full-time guy.
Clemson’s defense bullied Georgia Tech all day. Georgia Tech would have some momentum on offense, then Clemson would just slam the door on them by crushing the rushing attack or forcing fumbles. The depth is scary for Clemson’s defense. Secondary play is the main worry for Clemson, but they have a killer front four that can take over a game.
What did you think? Has Trevor Lawrence done enough to be made the full-time starter?
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Photo credit to Dawson Powers via Flickr
