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. Instead, as the fourth quarter began the Tigers were clinging to a 13-10 lead over five-touchdown underdog Troy.
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With Clemson leading 13-10 early in the fourth quarter, Tigers running back Tyshon Dye was stuffed for no gain at the 1-yard line and a Troy defender stripped the ball at the end of the play and raced 99 yards toward the other end zone.
“Obviously it’s great to get the win, but we’re not playing anywhere near close to our potential on offense right now and I know that’s frustrating for all of us”, co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott said. “That’s a football team that fought harder than we did”.
“There’s an exception to the rule that says if enforcement of the foul involves a loss of down, then that brings the game to an end”, O’Dey told a pool reporter after the game”.
“With 44 seconds to go, it was up in the air with an onside kick, so that is what our program wants to be”, Brown said.
I watched it just like you did.
Troy, a member of the Sun Belt Conference, gouged Clemson for 386 yards and 21 first downs. “He’s going to go above and beyond you ask of him always”, Swinney said on April 4. “But I’m really disappointed with the finish”. And our offense never got into rhythm.
Clemson’s 122 rushing yards on 32 carries (a 3.8 average) was its lowest output in 11 games, dating back to last year’s win over Boston College when the Tigers threw for 420.
The versatile Wilkins, who also logged seven tackles on defense, became the first defensive lineman in Clemson history to catch a touchdown pass, snagging a lob from Watson on a fourth-and-1 play out of the “jumbo” package. It scored on the first three drives and Bobo Wilson had an 89-yard punt return for a touchdown. Just like in basketball if you’re missing the fast-break layups and then you’re depending on the three-pointers – you’re in for a long day. Clemson’s offensive line had its share of struggles in pass protection, though Swinney felt that unit improved as the game progressed. He completed 27 of a career-high 53 pass attempts for 292 yards. He was intercepted twice. McCloud finished with seven catches and a career best 86 yards receiving.
Interceptions played a key role in the second quarter, with Troy quarterback Brandon Silvers throwing three to Clemson linebackers.
For the Trojans, they were led offensively by wide receiver Deondre Douglas, who finished with 11 catches for 93 yards and two touchdowns. “We played the No. 2 team in the country and gave them everything they wanted”. “We’re not going to do that”. The Trojans will need to keep the defensive effort going when they face Southern Mississippi next week. “There wasn’t too much screaming or yelling (Saturday.) It’s just guys having a reality check, and looking in the mirror, because hey, we’re way better than this”. It was the fourth consecutive game in which Renfrow has had at least one touchdown reception. Peake was a fifth-year player and steadying influence on the Tigers young skill players. On the ensuing possession, the Tigers reciprocated with a 26-yard field goal by Greg Huegel.
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Deshaun Watson is a quiet sort, one who has tended to prefer the “lead-by-example” method over vocalizing his presence.
