Rubbing the Rock
Fansided

Clemson Football Reactions: Tigers take care of Duke, turn sights on Gamecocks

By Shawn Spencer

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 17: Defensive lineman Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers flexes after a play against the Duke Blue Devils during their football game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 17: Defensive lineman Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers flexes after a play against the Duke Blue Devils during their football game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Clemson football team took care of Duke Saturday night. Now, the Tigers will turn their attention to in-state rival South Carolina.

It wasn’t the prettiest Clemson football win of the season.

The offense came out sleep walking, unable to muster any points in the first quarter. As a matter of fact, the Tigers trailed Duke 6-0 at the end of the first.

But, in the second quarter and especially in the second half, the Tigers woke up offensively and ended up putting the Blue Devils away by a score of 35-6.

The defense gave up some yards and a few chunk plays, but the unit didn’t break. After holding Duke to those two field goals, the defense didn’t allow any more points the rest of the way and was able to create pressure and get into the backfield.

Here’s our reaction and some notable statistics from the win in Death Valley.

Stat Leaders:

  • Trevor Lawrence: 21-of-38 for 251 yards and two TDs
  • Travis Etienne: 9 carries for 81 yards, two TDS
  • Justyn Ross: 4 receptions for 76 yards and a TD
  • Tee Higgins: 4 receptions for 47 yards.

The 2018 Clemson football seniors became the winningest class in school history and in the ACC with the win Saturday night.

Reaction:

The offense was sluggish to start, but got the job done especially in the second half. The unit looked a lot better as we got into the third quarter and I think that was due in part to Duke wearing down, but also to the unit making adjustments and being efficient.

The wide receiver corp had several key drops that would’ve accumulated to more yardage and possibly another touchdown or two. Trevor Lawrence missed on a lot of throws early, but improved and settled in as the game progressed.

The biggest question coming out of this game is Hunter Renfrow’s injury. Renfrow went down with an apparent head injury in the first half and didn’t return. He is a huge leader and important piece of that offense. Hopefully he’ll be able to return soon.

Q&A: Jackson Carman's dad is glad his son chose Clemson. dark. Next

What’s next?

Clemson football will close out the regular season with a home game against in-state rival South Carolina. The Tigers currently have a four-game winning streak over the Gamecocks and will be looking to finish the regular season undefeated with a win Saturday night in Death Valley.

Home/Clemson Football