Clemson Football: Studs and Duds from loss to LSU

The Clemson football team was beaten by the LSU Tigers in the National Championship. Here are some studs and duds from the loss.

The Clemson football program lost its first game in more than two years Monday night when the Tigers were beaten 42-25 by the LSU Tigers in the National Championship game in New Orleans.

Clemson had some opportunities early in the game and in the second half to make a run, but just couldn’t come away with the momentum-shifting plays when needed.

Here’s a look at some studs and duds from the loss to LSU.

Studs

Will Spiers and BT Potter

First, we’ve got to give a little bit of love to the specialists.

Throughout the entire season, Clemson football fans have complained about the inconsistency of both Will Spiers and BT Potter, but neither were the problem Monday night.

Spiers did an excellent job pinning LSU deep in its own territory on several occasions and really only had one, maybe two, bad punts all night. Even those “bad punts” weren’t shanks, they just didn’t travel quite as far as Tiger fans may have wanted.

Potter was put on the field in a big situation early and nailed a 52-yard field goal attempt, a new career long. Potter also continued to kick touchback after touchback on kickoffs, not allowing an LSU return.

Lots of things went wrong Monday, but it certainly didn’t have anything to do with the specialists.

Travis Etienne, when he was utilized

Travis Etienne didn’t have eye-popping stats, but anyone that watches the game knows he was a huge threat to that LSU defense.

Etienne was underutilized for sure, but he still found a way to make some plays. He powered ahead and got some tough yardage and made some plays out in space.

He was really the only offensive option that was clicking all night and you have to give credit to the running back for doing his part.