Travis Etienne – Noteworthy
Clemson finished perfect in the Atlantic Coast Conference with a less than perfect performance that still ended with another blowout. The No. 2 Tigers (11-0, 8-0, No. 2 CFP) beat Duke 35-6 on Saturday night, rebounding to win their six straight league game by at least 20 points after falling behind 6-0 and getting just one first down on their first three drives. The early struggles were almost refreshing for Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, who said he appreciated the challenge of making adjustments and motivating his team in the locker room at half. “You walk in, you win 35-6, and you have some people who are disappointed,” Swinney said, smiling after the game.
Clemson finished the ACC season 8-0 for the second time in four seasons, The Tigers lost just one ACC game in 2016 and 2017, and will try to win a fourth straight conference title Dec. 1 against Pitt. Freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence was 0 for 7 on third downs in the first half and the Travis Etienne ran for just 4 yards as the Tigers led 14-6 at the break. But Etienne ran for 77 yards on four carries in the second half with touchdowns runs of 27 and 29 yards, and Lawrence broke it open with a 10-yard TD pass to T.J. Chase early in the fourth quarter – his final play in another Clemson blowout. Lawrence was 21 for 38 for 251 yards and two touchdowns. – AP College Football