By Heath Bradley.
ATLANTA, GA — With his team missing one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country, Clemson junior wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins stepped up to the occasion and hauled in 13 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. The 13 catches were the most by a Clemson Tiger in school history. Hopkins broke the previous record of 12 receptions in a game was held by Airese Currie, who has 12 receptions versus Middle Tennessee State in 2003. The common denominator between these two players, Dabo Swinney, Swinney was in his first season at Clemson as the wide receivers coach in 2003.
Hopkins got off to a fast start for the Tigers hauling in four passes for 60 yards in the opening quarter. He picked right up where he left off in the second quarter; catching four more passes for 20 yards. This gave Hopkins 8 receptions for 80 yards in the first half alone. The third quarter saw Hopkins catch two passes, to take his totals to 10 receptions and 105 yards. However, Hopkins had a drop in the red zone, which led to the Tigers being forced into a field goal. Postgame Hopkins was relieved his coaches had faith in him to come back to him after the drop.
“I felt like I gave my best. I had a drop but Coach Swinney and Coach Morris had faith in me to come back to me for another play and I capitalized on it,” said Hopkins.
The drop seemed to ignite Hopkins, who finished strong. Including his most impressive catch of the day. His record tying 12th reception was a touchdown, a fade route right in front of the Auburn band that saw Hopkins come down with the pass from Boyd, while being held by the Auburn defender. The flag was thrown for pass interference, but it was not necessary, Hopkins had still made the catch, giving Clemson a 23-19 lead, a lead that the ACC Tigers would not relinquish.
Hopkins play in the end zone is something that he says the team works on daily in practice, giving credit to receivers coach Jeff Scott for the drills the players work on.
“Coach Scott does a great job at practice of going over these realistic drills. It was a scenario that came up in the game and I made a play,” said Hopkins.
Hopkins was given the opportunity to make the play in crunch time, and he delivered. “Anytime the ball is in the air, I feel like it is mine.” Hopkins told reporters following the game. This mindset allowed him to bounce back from the earlier drop and help lead the Tigers to victory.
After a 13-catch night, Hopkins was thrilled with not only how himself and his teammates executed, but also with the game plan the Tigers brought to the field.
“Coach Morris had a great game plan to get playmakers the ball and spread it around,” said Hopkins.
The offense’s ability to spread the ball around without a player like Watkins in the lineup is something that seems to have Hopkins exited about the future of this team. While tonight was a career night for Hopkins, he still recognizes the ability and importance of his teammates, including one who did not make the trip to Atlanta. Without Watkins, Hopkins and his fellow receivers were determined to pick their teammate up, understanding how important he is to the team.
“We wanted to come out here and pick up his slack. He is a great player. If it wasn’t for Sammy, we probably wouldn’t have an ACC Championship, so all of us wanted to come together and make up for it,” said Hopkins.
One week into the season, Hopkins is on pace to a record setting year for the Tigers, one that he hopes will end with another Clemson championship.