“I felt like I could make an impact for the team”. “But I’m really disappointed with the finish”.
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“He told me to grow up”, McCloud said. “We have to let those go and concentrate on playing better and doing what it takes to win the game”.
With Clemson’s receivers struggling to hang onto the ball, the Tigers made a decision to get a defensive lineman involved in the passing game. As fans and analysts alike, we pick apart each and every play, each drive and the errors jump off of the screen.
“It happens sometimes. It’s football”, Watson said.
That might be a good thing after a 30-24 win over Troy.
CLEMSON’S ROCK: The inspirational Clemson talisman, Howard’s Rock, turns 50 this season and will be honored by the program all year long. Ever since, Tigers have rubbed the rock before entering the field believing in the power and spirit of those who’ve gone before.
ABOUT CLEMSON (1-0): The Tigers figure to have one of the nation’s most dynamic offenses with Heisman Trophy candidate Deshaun Watson returning along with a strong supporting cast. He weaved his way through the Troy defense, evaded a few tackles and lost his shoe on his way to a clear path into the end zone. It’ not like the Trojans haven’t tried to give their hosts some breathing room, either, as they’ve turned the ball over three times. Middle linebacker Joseph, who took over for last year’s leading tackler B.J. Goodson, led Clemson with 10 stops, including three behind the line of scrimmage, at Auburn. Troy’s defense hasn’t been bad either. He was not as accurate in this game, and Troy’s defense did a solid job of keeping him out of rhythm.
“My stomach dropped. It’s like, dang, I did all that for nothing”, McCloud said.
Clemson has a game against South Carolina State and Georgia Tech to work out these kinks before a Week 5 date with Louisville, which looks like it could be the ACC’s party crasher this season. The freshman made an immediate impact for the Tigers with 10 tackles, a sack and a pass break up in defeating Auburn.
Russell and the Bears (2-0) struggled offensively in the first half and had to settle for a 6-6 tie at intermission, but broke through with a 20-point third quarter on their way to a 13th straight victory over their former Southwest Conference rival.
If the offense isn’t clicking by then, the Tigers will be more than a little anxious.
Troy coach Neal Brown said his team didn’t play its best Saturday, and that probably came as disconcerting news to No. 2 Clemson, which was pushed to the limit by the upstart Trojans at Memorial Stadium. The fund-raising group helps pay for athletic scholarships.
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He looks nothing like the Heisman finalist from past year.
