Clemson-S.C. State halftime analysis

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Sat Sep 07 14:18:38 GMT-05:00 2013

CLEMSON – No. 4 Clemson got off to a slow start offensively against the S.C. State Bulldogs, but led 38-7 at the break.

The Clemson defense forced three turnovers and scored 14 points.

Players of the half: The Clemson offense started the game slowly, but the secondary did not. Cornerbacks Martin JenkinsMartin Jenkins
RS Jr. Cornerback
#14 5-10, 180
Roswell, GA
View Full Profile and Darius RobinsonDarius Robinson
Cornerback
#8 5-10, 175
College Park, GA
View Full Profile both had interceptions returned for touchdowns in the first half. After S.C. State quarterback Richard Cue was hit by Spencer ShueySpencer Shuey
Gr. Linebacker
#33 6-3, 230
Charlotte, NC
View Full Profile, Martin Jenkins intercepted an errant pass and returned it 52 yards for the score. In the second quarter, Robinson intercepted a pass tipped in the air by linebacker Quandon ChristianQuandon Christian
RS Sr. Linebacker
#34 6-2, 225
Lake View, SC
View Full Profile and raced 35 yards for the touchdown. It marked the first time in Clemson history that two interceptions have been returned for touchdowns in the same game.

Stat of the half: Clemson’s starting offensive line has been in on drives that have scored 10 points, while the Clemson defense and second string offensive line have accounted for 14 points a piece.

What’s working for the Tigers: The second string offensive line comprised of Isaiah BattleIsaiah Battle
So. Offensive Tackle
#79 6-6, 280
Brooklyn, NY
View Full Profile, Patrick DeStefanoPatrick DeStefano
RS Fr. Offensive Line
#71 6-5, 275
Spartanburg, SC
View Full Profile, Jay GuillermoJay Guillermo
RS Fr. Center
#57 6-2, 290
Maryville, TN
View Full Profile, Reid WebsterReid Webster
RS Jr. Offensive Tackle
#77 6-4, 285
Woodstock, GA
View Full Profile and Shaq AnthonyShaq Anthony
RS So. Offensive Tackle
#76 6-3, 265
Williamston, SC
View Full Profile have in on the drives in which the Tigers scored two offensive touchdowns. Martavis BryantMartavis Bryant
Jr. Wide Receiver
#1 6-5, 200
Calhoun Falls, SC
View Full Profile was a weapon in the first half with four catches for 87 yards. The Clemson defense has held its own, holding S.C. State to just 124 yards – 63 of those on one play- and forced three turnovers.

What’s not working for the Tigers: The Clemson offense looked sluggish for much of the first half, especially in the running game. The Tigers have 106 yards on the ground. Roderick McDowell had eight rushes for 43 yards, Zac BrooksZac Brooks
So. Running Back
#24 6-1, 185
Jonesboro, AR
View Full Profile carried the ball six times for 31 yards and D.J. HowardD.J. Howard
RS Jr. Running Back
#22 5-11, 195
Lincoln, AL
View Full Profile had five rushes for 22 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Sr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile was 14-for-23 for 169 yards.

What the Tigers need to do to win: Maintain status quo. The Tigers have a 31-point lead at intermission. If the defense continues pressure the S.C. State quarterback and the defensive backs continue their good coverage, the Bulldogs will have a long second half.