Andre Ellington went over the 100 yard rushing mark for the second time this season.
Clemson wasted no time introducing Boston College to its new “smashmouth spread” offense, racing out to a 17-0 lead after one quarter.
BC took the opening kickoff but failed to pick up a first down. Clemson received the ball at their own 20 and began to methodically march down the field. Boyd had completions of 25 yds to Nuk Hopkins, 29 yds to Jaron Brown and 14 yds to Dwayne Allen to lead the way before delivering a 3 yard TD pass to Brown. The drive went 8 plays for 80 yards in just 2:20.
The Tiger defense held BC to another 3 and out on their next possession. Clemson then began from its own 16 and opened up the rushing attack. Andre Ellington ran for 14 followed by an impressive 14 yard scamper from freshman D.J. Howard. Howard shows incredible balance to stay on his feet after taking initial hits from defenders. Boyd hit freshman Charone Peake in stride for what looked like a sure TD, but was dropped. The Tigers settled for a 38-yard FG from Chandler Catanzaro to make the score 10-0. Stats on the drive were 13 plays for 63 yards in 4:20.
BC started its next drive from their own 23. On the first play QB Chase Rettig was mauled by Clemson DE Malliciah Goodman, forcing a fumble, recovered by the Tigers. 2 plays later Tajh Boyd ran a QB draw to the left for a 14 yard TD, giving the Tigers a 17-0 lead.
On Boston College’s ensuing drive the Eagles finally began moving the ball, reaching midfield before the end of the 1st quarter.
DJ Howard is getting 10 yards every time he touches the ball; but, he only got one carry Saturday. The second carry in the stat board was a Boyd fumble recovery. Howard is much harder to bring down than Ellington and has better vision. Feed this kid the ball a few more times and let us see how good he really is!