Clemson put The Citadel away quickly with four 1st-half touchdowns from Trevor Lawrence (3 passing, 1 rushing) and a stifling defensive performance led by linebacker James Skalski and freshman defensive end Myles Murphy. The Tigers (2-0) can turn their focus back to the ACC after a 49-0 victory in their only non-conference game of the season. All of Clemson’s 49 points came in the first half as the offense was sharp from the outset and the defense looked well prepared for the Bulldogs’ option attack. Lawrence was nearly perfect, completing 8 of 9 passes for 168 yards. Lawrence’s first four completions went to four different receivers. Clemson’s other Heisman trophy candidate, running back Travis Etienne, had a light workload (8 carries, 68 yards), but made the most of a rare punt return opportunity by taking it back 44 yards to set up D.J. Uiagalelei’s first career touchdown.
The defense contributed in a big way by limiting Citadel to 33 1st-half yards and returning a fumble for a touchdown. Murphy stripped Bulldogs’ running back Cooper Wallace and Skalski scooped and scored from 17 yards out to fuel the rout.
Uigalelei and Taisun Phommachanh rotated throughout the second half in relief of Lawrence and twelve different receivers caught a pass. Clemson will enjoy a bye week before returning to conference play against Virginia Oct. 3rd.
Here’s my postgame recap:
