In its season-opening win over Wofford, 12th-ranked Clemson never really faced adversity, especially the first-team offense. Quarterback Deshaun Watson and company went 5-for-5 for touchdown drives in the blowout victory.
On Saturday, many expected more of the same, but as the majority of the 81,467 discovered, that was not the case.
On the Tigers’ opening drive, Watson was intercepted by Appalachian State’s Latrell Gibbs, the first sign Clemson was going to have to work a little extra harder.
“We knew from watching the video, these guys could play, especially up front,” Clemson co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott said. “You have to give App. State a lot of credit, they are going to have a lot of success this year in the Sun Belt.
“I think the last seven games they have held offenses at 254 yards per game the last seven games. They have a confident defense. We knew there was going to be a chance there was going to be some adversity. We had to feel it out and I was proud of the way the guys responded.”
After totaling 95 yards on their first four possessions, which included an interception and two punts the Tigers adjusted and broke off 190 yards and three touchdowns in the next three possessions.
Taking care of business: Clemson has now won 29 consecutive games against unranked opponents, the longest streak of its kind in school history. All 29 of the wins have been by at least four points, the longest active streak in the nation.
Stingy defense. Appalachian State converted three of 16 third down attempts. On the season, Clemson’s opponents are just 7-of-32 on third down (21.9%).
Clemson’s defense recorded 10 tackles for loss versus Appalachian State. The Tigers have led the country in tackles for loss the last two seasons. Appalachian State scored just 10 points on Saturday. It’s the second-straight game that the Tigers have held their opponent to 10 points. On the year, Clemson’s defense has allowed just two touchdowns and two field goals.
Happy returns. Ray-Ray McCloud returned a third quarter kickoff 73 yards, the longest Clemson kickoff return since October 15, 2011 when Sammy Watkins returned a kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown at Maryland.