Clemson’s defensive end K.J. Henry was the hero of Saturday’s game against Boston College. He recovered a fumble on a badly executed snap by Boston College with just 49 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Clemson went on to win 19-13.
With the victory, Clemson extended their home field advantage to 31 games, which is the longest winning streak in the country.
Clemson had hoped to put a stop to their season-long offensive struggles, where they have scored just 57 points combined against its four Power Five opponents this year. “Their will to win,” Swinney said, “is special. It’s special.”
The Tigers looked like they were going to put an end to their offensive woes early in the game, with sophomore tailback Kobe Pace having an explosive 59-yard touchdown run, Clemson’s longest play from scrimmage this season.
Here’s how Clemson was able to survive this game.
Sophomore quarterback DJ Uiagalelei took an unacceptable sack on a critical third-and-three play with about two minutes remaining and Clemson holding on to a six point advantage.
Boston College got the ball back on their own 36-yard line with 1:48 left, with the opportunity to go 64 yards down the field for a game-winning drive. Clemson defensive end K.J Henry was not concerned as Boston College moved the ball downfield in the final minute.
“The defense, we’re some fighters,” Henry said. “We’re excited about attacking every chance we get.”
Henrys’ confidence in his defense was validated as he jumped on a mishandled snap by quarterback Dennis Grosel, with 47 seconds left, to seal the deal.
Signal caller Uiagalelei struggled once again in the passing game as the Tigers offense was stopped several times as they attempted to go downfield. He was 13 of 28 for 207 yards. It was the third time this season that Clemson did not have a touchdown pass. Even though the passing game was not up to par, the Tigers’ running assault came ready to play.
Sophomore Kobe Pace had an impressive game with 125 rushing yards and one touchdown on 19 carries and had two receptions for 41 yards. Freshman Phil Mafah had his coming out party Saturday. He ran for 58 yards on seven carries, seven days after the Tigers officially lifted his red shirt tag. Kicker B.T. Porter had four field goals, hitting a tie-breaking 35-yarder late in the third quarter for Clemson.
Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross did not play in the second half of the game because of a head injury that he sustained according to head coach Dabo Swinney. Ross came into Saturdays’ contest as Clemson’s leader in both receptions (22) and receiving touchdowns (three).
The Tigers were also down several key players in the second half in addition to Ross. Clemson lost tight end Braden Galloway to a hit to his head, starting tight end Davis Allen to targeting and punt returner/backup quarterback Will Taylor to an injury after the first series. The Tigers were already without starting running back Will Shipley, who is out for several weeks with a shin injury, and starting defensive tackles Bryan Bresee (ACL) and Tyler Davis (biceps). Clemson announced pregame that starting right guard Will Putnam, safety Joseph Charleston and cornerback Fred Davis II would also be unavailable.
With this win against Boston College, Clemson moves to 3-2 on the season. They have a bye-week before traveling to Syracuse on Friday, October 15.
