Clemson avoids the trap, beats Georgia Tech 26-7
Clemson’s first win at Georgia Tech in more than a decade wasn’t pretty, especially on offense, but it was enough to keep the Tigers undefeated heading into next week’s pivotal conference game against Louisville.
The Tigers defeated the Yellow Jackets 26-7 in a game that was dominated by the Clemson defense, which allowed just 23 total yards of offense in the first half. Georgia Tech managed just 124 yards of total offense and scored a fourth quarter touchdown to avoid being shut out for the first time since 1957, but otherwise it couldn’t solve the speed of the Tigers’ defensive front.
While the Clemson defense was stellar, the offense struggled. On the opening drive, Clemson drove down the field with ease as quarterback Deshaun Watson tossed a 4-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams. It was the kind of offensive simplicity that defined the Tigers’ national championship game run a year ago. However, that drive was one of the only bright spots. Even though the Tigers put points on the board, they easily could have scored in the 40s or 50s. Clemson dropped passes, it committed penalties, it turned the ball over and Watson’s passing was at times off the mark. The running game was somewhat stifled by Georgia Tech’s defensive front, which forced Watson to throw the ball 48 times.
Clemson’s offense, which has really only showed that 2015 flash against South Carolina State so far this season, will need a much better effort against a Louisville team that’s one of the most offensively explosive teams in the country right now. While the Clemson defense might be able to slow quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Cardinals’ offense, it won’t be able to stop it and the Clemson offense will have to make sure it keeps pace in what will be a pivotal race not only for the ACC title, but also the College Football Playoff.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday
