College Football
Clemson Destroys Wake Forest, 63-3
The College Gameday crew called out Clemson on Saturday morning, but it didn’t take long for the Tigers to respond as Clemson destroyed Wake Forest 63-3. Trevor Lawrence returned to action tossing two touchdowns and passing for 175 yards. Travis Etienne led the running back stable with 167 yards on 10 carriers and three rushing touchdowns. Justyn Ross continues to impress as he led the receivers with 74 yards receiving and a touchdown. The Clemson offense thumped Wake Forest with 698 yards of total offense. Clemson’s defense bullied Wake Forest for much of the day, holding them to 249 yards of total offense.
The Tigers played one of their best games, but have got to get better at executing their offense in the first quarter. For whatever reason, Clemson has struggled to set the tone early with their offense. The defense just needs to keep doing what they are doing. Clemson gets a much-needed bye week then faces NC State in the Textile Bowl at Death Valley on October 20th.
Wake Forest Review
Wake Forest never got going in this game. Clemson started off slow in the first quarter and the Demon Deacons could not capitalize. Wake Forest QB Sam Hartman was harassed all game, finishing with only 74 yards passing and one interception. Greg Dortch was kept in check most of the game finishing, with three receptions for 37 yards and one punt return for 24 yards. Wake Forest saw their best effort toward the end of the game when previous starting QB Kendall Hinton checked in and led a drive that led to a field goal. Once Clemson’s offense got going, Wake Forest struggled to keep the Tigers down.
Honestly, there isn’t much Wake Forest could have done to change the outcome of this game other than an influx of talent and depth. I think the game may have been a little different with Kendall Hinton at QB. Hinton provided a spark when the game was out of hand with his rushing ability. However, he did not complete one of his five pass attempts, so it might have meant a few more points, but not enough to make this a game. Wake Forest heads into the bye week to regroup before heading to Tallahassee for a showdown with Florida State on October 20th.
Fun Fact
Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow assumed the jack of all trades role as he played QB, punter, and receiver on Saturday. He completed a pass for two yards and provided a block that allowed freshman RB Lyn-J Dixon to score on a 52 yard touchdown run.
What did you think of Saturdays game for both teams? Did Clemson do what it needed to do to help its national perception?
Photo credit to Dawson Powers via Flickr.
