Clemson trounces Boston College as Tigers improve to 8-0
Clemson co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott said leading up to this week’s game against Boston College that he liked the position the Tigers were in, despite Clemson dropping in the polls after each of its previous three games.
“We’re that horse that’s kind of waiting right back there and then all of a sudden we start making our gains when it really matters,” Scott said. “We get into that championship phase.”
No. 4 Clemson certainly made some gains Saturday night, putting together its most dominant performance of the season as the Tigers trounced Boston College 59-7 on Homecoming night at Death Valley.
The Tigers led 38-7 at the half and controlled the game from the opening snap. Clemson improves to 8-0 (6-0) with the victory. Boston College falls to 4-4 (2-3) with the loss.
“I’m really proud of our team. I thought the guys had a great mindset tonight,” Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said. “The offense set the tone tonight. We had a fast and efficient offense. It was awesome.”
Clemson put up 674 yards of offense, its most this season, while holding BC to only 177. The Tigers had 394 yards of offense at the half, more than twice as many as Boston College finished with for the game.
“I’m really proud of our guys. I believe we scored points on every drive in the first half. The guys were ready to play,” Scott said.. “That’s really what it’s all about this time of year. It’s about getting better and better. We really had our best week of practice.”
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence had his most efficient game of the season, connecting on 16 of 19 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns. Lawrence, who entered the game with eight interceptions, did not turn the ball over while leading the Tigers to scores on seven of the eight drives he was in the game for.
Lawrence connected with Diondre Overton for a pair of touchdowns and also hooked up with Amari Rodgers for a score. Overton had a career game, catching three passes for 119 yards. All three of his receptions went for touchdowns as he also caught a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Chase Brice.
“I couldn’t be happier for Diondre Overton. He’s a really good player, and it was awesome to see his hard work pay off tonight,” Swinney said.
Tigers running back Travis Etienne had 16 carries for 109 yards and three touchdowns, while Logan Rudolph returned a fumble 39 yards for a touchdown during the third quarter.
Clemson’s defense held Boston College in check the entire night as the Eagles averaged only 2.9 yards per play. Boston College star running back A.J. Dillon had 19 carries for 76 yards and Boston College’s only touchdown of the game.
“Our guys really played well. This was one of our best weeks and some of our best preparation. We mentally accepted the challenge,” Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. “It helps when your offense plays well to put us in a great position. I’m proud of our guys. They’re staying hungry and humble, which is leading to these results.”
THREE POINTS
Star of the game: Senior receiver Diondre Overton had only four career touchdowns before catching three Saturday night.
Play of the game: Clemson was already holding a 38-7 lead early in the third quarter when Boston College quarterback Dennis Grosel dropped back to pass and was stripped by Tigers linebacker Chad Smith. Tigers defensive end Logan Rudolph picked up the fumble and rumbled 39 yards for a touchdown.
Stat of the game: 674: The 674 yards of offense for Clemson marked the most for the Tigers this season.
OBSERVATIONS
Trevor Lawrence had his best game of the season: A week after throwing two interceptions in the first quarter against Louisville, Lawrence put together his most complete performance of the year. The sophomore connected with seven different receivers before leaving the game midway through the third quarter with the Tigers comfortably ahead.
Defense continues to shine: The Tigers held Boston College to only 177 yards of offense, marking eight consecutive games they have held the opponent to under 300 yards.
A.J. Dillon is a beast: Dillon only rushed for 76 yards on 19 carries, but he got no help from the rest of the Eagles offense and often times was fighting off multiple defenders just to reach the line of scrimmage..
NEXT
Who: Wofford at Clemson
When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Memorial Stadium
TV: ACC Network
This story was originally published October 26, 2019 at 10:33 PM.
