TCI hands out some helmet stickers following Clemson’s 58-0 win at Miami on Saturday…
Jordan Leggett
In a game in which Clemson tied a school record for the highest margin of victory against a conference opponent, how exactly does a player with one catch garner a coveted helmet sticker? Simply put, he set a record, and that’s what matters. Leggett opened up the scoring for the Tigers by taking a screen pass 34 yards to the end zone to punctuate the first offensive drive of the game. He became the first tight end in school history to catch a touchdown pass in five straight games. In fact, he was the only Clemson player with a scoring grab in Saturday’s game.
Wayne Gallman
The Tigers rushed for a season-high 416 yards against the Hurricanes, and Gallman led the charge. He accounted for a little more than one-third of his team’s carries for 28 percent of its yards on the ground while playing the role of workhorse back. Five Tigers rushed for at least 40 yards in the game, including three running backs, and Gallman’s powerful push paved the way. His habit of grinding out tough yards and finishing runs softened up Miami’s front seven so the speed runners could have some room to get to the edge. He led the way for an historic rushing day, the best at Clemson in 15 years.
Kelly Bryant
Clemson’s third-string quarterback might not have that designation for much longer. Bryant came in for a quarter’s worth of offensive possessions and did enough that his head coach said he “made a move” for the backup slot under center. Bryant made his appearance in garbage time, so he only threw one pass, but his explosiveness was on display on two separate touchdown runs. He broke away from the Miami defense so quickly on a 59-yard run that the Hurricane defenders just gave up trying to catch him. The freshman then added a 10-yard rush to the end zone with 8:50 to play that capped the scoring. It was not a perfect performance, but Bryant flashed his athletic ability in his short stint running the show.
Shaq Lawson
Much like every other game this season, Clemson’s defense was more about the whole than the individual parts. Lawson, however, stood out. He had a pair of sacks in the game, including the hit that knocked Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya out with a concussion. Lawson and fellow defensive end Kevin Dodd were a handful for the Hurricanes’ offensive front. The junior’s day also included a quarterback pressure, and his NFL Draft stock was explored on the ABC broadcast, as Todd McShay compared him to NFL defensive end Ryan Kerrigan.
Van Smith
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Clemson’s victory today was the hunger displayed by the reserves on defense when they entered the game. That mentality drove Smith, a freshman not even listed on the depth chart, to lead the team with six tackles. One of his hits stopped Miami’s backup quarterback short of the line to gain on fourth down. He also had an interception and delivered a couple of jarring hits in coverage that affected Miami’s skill players. The second half was the time for players like Smith to shine, and they took full advantage.