Former Clemson standouts stole the show in Jacksonville’s season opener. Running back Travis Etienne exploded for 143 yards on just 16 carries, averaging a ridiculous 8.9 yards per rush, as the Jaguars rolled past the Panthers 26-10 at EverBank Stadium.
Etienne’s highlight came late in the second quarter when he ripped off a 71-yard run to set up a Jaguars touchdown. It was the second-most rushing yards of his career, trailing only his 156-yard outing against Denver in 2022. He also caught three passes for 13 yards, proving to be the workhorse in Liam Coen’s first game as Jacksonville’s head coach.
Etienne, now in the final year of his rookie deal, looks to regain Pro Bowl form after a down 2024 season in which he managed just 558 rushing yards. Sunday’s performance was a strong reminder of why Jacksonville made him a first-round pick in 2021.
Meanwhile, quarterback Trevor Lawrence turned in a steady, if unspectacular, outing. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick completed 19 of 31 passes for 178 yards, with a six-yard touchdown strike to tight end Hunter Long and one interception.
Together, the former Clemson stars helped usher in a new era for Jacksonville, giving fans a glimpse of what Coen’s balanced attack could look like in 2025.
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