Taking care of business - Recap of Clemson vs. BC game

The Clemson Tigers played three ranked opponents in three weeks heading into Saturday’s Homecoming matchup against Boston College. After coming out of the toughest part of their schedule unscathed, the only thing they needed to do was take care of business.

Consider that done as the Tigers put on a workman-like performance beating the Eagles 36-14 in Death Valley.


Clemson got on the board early and often, scoring 17 points in the first quarter giving the Tigers a 17-0 lead. Quarterback Tajh Boyd threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Jaron Brown on Clemson’s opening drive. After a defensive stop, Boyd led the Tigers down the field and Chandler Catanzaro added a field goal for the 10-0 lead.

On Boston College’s next possession, defensive end Malliciah Goodman finally came alive sacking Eagles’ quarterback Chase Rettig forcing a fumble on the Boston College 16-yardline. On a quarterback keeper, Boyd took the ball 17-yard for the touchdown giving the Tigers a 17-0 lead.

Boston College would finally get on the board thanks to a 20-yard touchdown run by running back Rolandan Finch with 1:55 left in the half. Clemson would answer with a 65-yard drive ending in an 18-yard field goal by Catanzaro and the Tigers went to intermission leading 23-7.

On the opening series of the second half, the Tigers were on their way down the field when the air was suddenly sucked out of Death Valley as Boyd fell to the ground and was struggling to get to sideline after taking a hit to his hip. When play resumed, the drive ended on a 20-yard Catanzaro field goal putting the Tigers up 26-7.

As the orange-clad crowd in Death Valley sat in shock, the Eagles tried to create a little momentum of their own as Rettig hooked up with Bobby Swigert for a 24-yard touchdown narrowing the score to 26-14.

However, Clemson would not give up without their leader. Freshman quarterback Cole Stoudt came in to replace Boyd and managed the remainder of the game leading the Tigers on two more scoring drives- a fifth Catanzaro field goal and a 36-yard Andre Ellington touchdown run to seal the Tiger victory with 11:24 left in the fourth quarter.

The Tigers travel to College Park, Maryland to take on the Terps in a 7 p.m. ACC Showdown on ESPNU.

Player of the Game
This week’s player of the game has to be kicker Chandler Catanzaro, who kicked five field goals in the Clemson victory. Catanzaro started the season off a little shaky but has seemingly calmed down as he is a very confident 10-for-12 on field goals on the year. Catanzaro was the recipient of the leather helmet which is given to the most value player from each team. Ironically enough in 2009, the last time the Tigers played Boston College in Death Valley, then kicker Richard Jackson earned the award going 6-for-6 in field goals leading Clemson to the 25-7 victory.

Play of the Game
Running back Andre Ellington has had some health issues since tearing ligaments in his toe last season against Boston College. He has dealt with a pulled hamstring and a deep thigh bruise suffered this season. Finally healthy, Ellington showed flashes of his old self as he rushed 22 times for 117 yards including the touchdown that sealed the victory. Ellington took the handoff up the sideline and raced 36 yards putting the game out of reach.

Freshman of the Game
There is no doubt that Clemson wouldn’t be 6-0 without the help of some superstar freshmen. This week’s honors go to quarterback Cole Stoudt who stepped in for the injured Tajh Boyd early in the third quarter. Stoudt finished the game 6-for-10 for 37 yards after Boyd’s injury. Stoudt came in and played exactly like he practices- cool, calm, and collected.

Post written by Clemson Girl sports blogger, Nikki Steele.

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