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Clemson football: Travis Etienne looking for redemption in home state

By Shawn Spencer

Oct 31, 2020; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson running back Travis Etienne (9) runs back to the sidelines after scoring during the first quarter of the game against Boston College at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Josh Morgan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2020; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson running back Travis Etienne (9) runs back to the sidelines after scoring during the first quarter of the game against Boston College at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Josh Morgan-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s time for redemption for Clemson football in the state of Louisiana

The Clemson football program will be back in the state of Louisiana yet again and, this time, we’ve got a home state guy looking for redemption.

Travis Etienne, who is a native of Jennings, LA, will be returning to his home state for a third time to play a postseason game this Friday when the Tigers take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Sugar Bowl as part of the CFB Playoff semifinals.

Etienne and Clemson football are 0-2 in those matchups.

Both games were played in the same venue- the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans- and both had the same outcome: A loss to Alabama in the 2017 semifinals and a loss to LSU last year in the National Championship.

As a matter of fact, it’s not just recent downfalls in the state of Louisiana that haunt the Clemson football program. The Tigers are 0-4 in postseason matchup in Louisiana. In addition to the two losses we just mentioned, Clemson lost the 1985 Independence Bowl to Minnesota in Shreveport, LA and the Tigers lost the 1959 Sugar Bowl to LSU in New Orleans.

Travis Etienne has a major opportunity to lead the Clemson football program over the hump

There’s no doubt that Etienne wants to win a game and gain redemption in his home state. He has a chance to do just that Friday night.

"“I’m 0-2,” Etienne said earlier this week. “At this point I’m kind of tired of talking about what I’m going to do. I’m just ready to get to that point and make it right.”"

The Tigers will certainly have an opportunity to score some points as Ohio State’s defense ranks just No. 34 in the nation in total defense and No. 104 in passing yards allowed.

But, they do rank No. 7 overall in the country in rushing defense, which is the best that Clemson will have faced this season. Can Etienne get the job done?

He had one of the best games of his season rushing the ball against Notre Dame, carrying 10 times for 124 yards and a touchdown, and it will be interesting to see if he can build off that momentum.

Next. 5 distinctions on the line against Ohio State. dark

Finding redemption. That’s what Etienne will be about Friday night.

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