Clemson avoids letdown with dominant victory over Georgia Tech
The Clemson Tigers were on top of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets from the jump in Death Valley on Saturday afternoon. Wayne Gallman broke loose for a monstrous 66-yard rushing touchdown and the Tigers never looked back. Their offense, led by quarterback Deshaun Watson, was never worried about being stopped by the Yellow Jackets for what seemed like the entirety of the game. Both their running game and their passing game were firing well and they helped them to victory.
However, it was the Clemson defense that really shined against Georgia Tech. Yes, the Tigers gave up two long passing touchdowns during the game thanks to some pretty blatant blown coverages. However, the front seven of the Tigers was disruptive all afternoon to Justin Thomas and the Yellow Jackets’ triple option attack. They wouldn’t allow it to get going and, subsequently, Georgia Tech never really stood a chance when their offense’s bread and butter was rendered ineffective. At the end of the day, dominance was the name of the game from the opening kickoff for the Tigers and they cruised to another victory to maintain their undefeated start to the season.
Three stars
Wayne Gallman was a monster in the Clemson rushing attack from the opening drive. He only notched 13 carries on the day, but took those for 115 yards and two scores on the afternoon.
Jordan Leggett wasn’t even the leading receiver for the Tigers in the victory, but he came up big in big spots. He finished with four catches for 56 yards and two touchdown catches.
Deshaun Watson didn’t have his best day at the office, but still threw for 265 yards and two scores, though he did have one interception. He was still largely mistake-free on the day and played with the energy needed to avoid a letdown game.
Highlights
THAT is how you start a game. Wayne Gallman goes 66-yds for the TD to give Clemson early lead. #GTvsCLEM http://t.co/Lrqa7nst1H
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 10, 2015
Jayron with the Hitstick!!!! #Clemson pic.twitter.com/octgdje2Fr
— Justin (@TigerJustin13) October 10, 2015
There is no blocked punt on this play. The punt gets away (poorly) & technically fumbled by Clemson--Not GA Tech. pic.twitter.com/hVn3UDYUtm
— Keith Hill 🐯🦚 (@dormgod) October 10, 2015
Highlights: Jordan Leggett gets open downfield for the 29-yard score - http://t.co/cNWkSqLuop #Clemson #GTvsCLEM
— Orange and White (@orangeandwhite) October 10, 2015
Yellow Jackets launch 50-yard TD http://t.co/Qb2kIwhnyW
— fantasyrasta.eth (@FantasyRasta) October 10, 2015
The Leggett TD right before halftime from a West End Zone view! pic.twitter.com/b62nY7t2Mu
— Hugh Hernesman (@hernesman) October 10, 2015
Clemson slips away for 35-yard TD http://t.co/gpp4nDVCJ3
— Diane Wyatt (@dbwyatt68) October 10, 2015
TEAM run for -12 yds,TEAM fumbled, recovered by GA Tech A. Gotsis, for a TD http://t.co/KfLvqPo7xT -via ESPN http://t.co/qbk5JC4hXc
— Achaemenides Vodazachaieziere (@palabrinsas) October 10, 2015
Odds
Clemson was favored by seven for this ACC matchup and covered that spread handily. The Tigers also almost topped the 54.5 over/under on their own, but the two teams certainly hit the over combined.
Next Week
Clemson will be in Death Valley again next week for another ACC matchup against the Boston College Eagles as the Tigers look to remain undefeated.
The Yellow Jackets will be back at home next week to welcome the Pittsburgh Panthers to town and try to snap what is now a four-game losing streak.