Instant Analysis: Tigers crush Eagles in workmanlike fashion

Diondre Overton had three touchdowns on the night

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Sat Oct 26 22:35:11 GMT-04:00 2019

CLEMSON – The fourth-ranked Clemson Tigers continued its dominance over Boston College with its most complete game of the season.

Clemson (8-0 overall, 6-0 ACC) defeated Boston College (4-4, 2-3) 59-7 Saturday night in Death Valley, its 20th consecutive home victory.

Clemson's last home loss came on Nov. 12, 2016, against Pitt.

The win was also a ninth consecutive against Boston College, dating back to 2011.

Clemson has held eight straight opponents below 300 yards of total offense for the first time since 1956. Clemson won its 23rd consecutive game, dating to the start of the 2018 season, to extend the longest winning streak in school history and second-longest winning streak in ACC history.

The Tigers also won a 17th consecutive ACC regular-season game for the second time in school history (20 from 1981-84). The Tigers have now opened a season 8-0 for the eighth time in school history, joining the 1948, 1981, 2000, 2011, 2015, 2016 and 2018 campaigns.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence had arguably his best game of the season. He did all of the things you look for in a quarterback – was accurate, took his check-downs when his first reads weren’t there, got down or out of bounds when his number was called in the running game. Lawrence finished the game 16-of-19 for 275 yards and three touchdowns. He also added eight carries for 42 yards.

*Honorable Mention: Diondre Overton had a breakout game. He had three catches for 119 yards and three scores – two from Lawrence and one from Chase Brice.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Chad Smith has been getting more and more comfortable in his starting role every week and with that his confidence has grown and the game appears to be slowing down. He had nine tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack and a forced fumble that led to a scoop and score by Logan Rudolph.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED:

*Quick Strike Offense – The Eagles were forced into another punt and the Tigers took over at their own 25. Five plays (and two pass interference calls) the Tigers found the end zone, with Travis Etienne bowling in from three yards out as Clemson took a 10-0 lead with 6:57 to play in the first quarter.

*Scoop and Score – Clemson punted for the first time all night to open the second half and the Eagles gained two quick first downs on the ground. The fourth play was a disaster, however. Eagle quarterback Dennis Grosel dropped back to pass and was hit by linebacker Chad Smith. The hit knocked the ball loose and defensive end Logan Rudolph scooped up the loose ball and rumbled 39 yards for the touchdown. With 11:18 to play in the third quarter, Clemson led 45-7.

STAT OF THE GAME: Boston College gave up 674 yards of total offense, the most in program history.

UP NEXT: Clemson plays its second consecutive game inside friendly confines of Death Valley, hosting in-state foe, Wofford, at 4 p.m. The Terriers are second in the Southern Conference and defeated Chattanooga 35-34.

Boston College travels to Syracuse in a noon clash of ACC Atlantic rivals. Syracuse lost to Florida State 35-17.