Five Key Plays and Game Balls

Five Key Plays

1. Walton blows up Gallman

On Clemson's first drive, the Tigers marched quickly down the field, and omen of things to come. On second and four, Jonathan Walton exploded through the line and tackled Wayne Gallman for a six-yard loss. Deshaun Watson threw incomplete on third down and the Tigers had to settle for a field goal attempt. It was perhaps the defensive highlight of the game for South Carolina.

2. Bentley overthrows Hurst

On South Carolina's second drive, Hayden Hurst got behind his defender. There was no separation, but the window was there for Jake Bentley. Make a perfect throw and it's a nice gain. Bentley did not make a perfect throw. He overthrew Hurst by about three yards. Jadar Johnson made the interception, and three plays later Clemson was in the end zone and the rout was on.

3. Fourth and inches

Clemson had fourth and inches from the South Carolina 20, and went for the kill shot. Gallman got the handoff and powered ahead for the first down. Clemson quickly scored a touchdown for a 14-0 first quarter lead. Everyone watching knew that barring a miracle the game was over.

4. Fake punt

Will Muschamp knew he needed a miracle too. With a fourth and five from his own 30, Muschamp called for the fake punt. Hurst lined up as one of the up men and took the direct snap. He looked to pass (Sean Kelly ran a wheel route and appeared to be one of the primary receivers). Nobody was open, so Hurst took off - directly into a blocker. Turnover. Touchdown. 21-0 hole.

5. Watson to Williams

Watson capped off a thirty-nine second, 80-yard touchdown drive with a bubble screen to Mike Williams. Williams spun his way through the defense for an 18-yard touchdown with eight seconds left in the first half. It gave the Tigers a 35-0 halftime lead and made the second half a practice game.

Game Balls

Offense

Um... Deebo Samuel? He threw a touchdown pass and caught a team-high four passes.

Defense

Bryson Allen-Williams

He made 11 tackles including half a tackle for loss. He also had an acrobatic diving interception.

Special Teams

Sean Kelly

Kelly punted seven times for an average of 44 yards. He had a long of 56, put two (should have been three) inside the 20, and made a touchdown saving tackle on a punt return.

Ulric Jones

Jones blocked another field goal in the first quarter.