5 Clemson Football Players Who Earned Tiger Paws vs. NC State

Oct 4, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) catches the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Each week, Rubbing the Rock hands out Tiger Paws to five Clemson football players who excelled in the previous game. This week, we’re honoring five Clemson Tigers for their performance against the NC State Wolfpack.

The Clemson Tigers are looking more and more impressive each week. After starting the season 1-2 with losses to No. 12 Georgia and No. 1 Florida State, Clemson has moved to 3-1 after back-to-back dominating wins over UNC and NC State.

This week, the defense led the way, in a 41-0 shutout of the Wolfpack. It was Clemson’s first shutout since 2008 and their first in ACC play since 1998. Clemson managed that feat against the team that–as ESPN’s announcers insisted–were statistically the best offense in the ACC coming into the game. Of course, it’s unlikely that NC State really had the best offense in the league, given their weak out-of-conference schedule, but the shutout was impressive nonetheless.

An honorable mention has to go to the Clemson secondary. Their work didn’t really show up in the stat sheet this week, because Jacoby Brissett simply couldn’t compete a pass against them. Brissett finished 4-for-18 on the day, for only 35 yards, largely because the secondary blanketed his receivers until Clemson’s pressure either got to Brissett or forced him to throw a bad pass.

Mike Williams – WR

Saturday was Mike Williams birthday and it’s probably safe to safe to say that it was a good one. Williams seems to be emerging as Deshaun Watson’s favorite target right now (at least while Charone Peake is out).

Williams caught both of Watson’s touchdown passes, on a 56-yard pass to open the scoring and an incredible diving catch from 31 yards out. He finished with six receptions for 155 yards, to go along with the two scores.

Williams was also named the ACC Receiver of the Week for his performance.