2016 Clemson Tigers football team

American college football season January 2019 January 2026 2016 Clemson Tigers football Clemson Tigers logo.svg 125 Atlantic Coast Conference Atlantic Division ACC 1 1 14–1 7–1 Dabo Swinney 8th full, 9th overall Tony Elliott 2nd Jeff Scott 2nd Spread Brent Venables 5th 4–3 Memorial Stadium Consensus national championACC championACC Atlantic Division co-championFiesta Bowl champion ACC Championship W Won 42–35 vs. Virginia Tech Fiesta Bowl (CFP semifinal) W Won 31–0 vs. Ohio State CFP National Championship, W Won 35–31 vs. Alabama The 2016 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University in the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers were led by head coach Dabo Swinney in his eighth full year and ninth overall since taking over midway through the 2008 season. They played their home games at Memorial Stadium, also known as "Death Valley", and competed in the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tigers entered the 2016 season as the defending national runners-up after a 14–1 season that ended with a loss to Alabama in the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship.2015 Clemson Tigers Football Schedule http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-15/acc/2015-clemson-tigers-football-schedule.php fbschedules.com January 26, 2016 After finishing the regular season with a record of 11–1, and then beating Coastal Division champion Virginia Tech in the 2016 ACC Championship game, the second-ranked Tigers advanced to the 2016 College Football Playoff semifinal played at the Fiesta Bowl, where they defeated third-ranked Ohio State 31–0. Clemson and Alabama met in the 2017 CFP National Championship in college football's first ever national championship game rematch. Clemson won by a score of 35 to 31, winning their first consensus national championship since 1981. Clemson subsequently finished first of the rankings in both the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll. The Clemson offense was led by junior quarterback Deshaun Watson, who led the ACC with 4,593 passing yards and 41 passing touchdowns. Watson finished second in voting for the Heisman Trophy behind Louisville's Lamar Jackson and was awarded the Davey O'Brien Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, and Manning Award. Wide receiver Mike Williams, tight end Jordan Leggett, and offensive linemen Mitch Hyatt, Tyrone Crowder, and Jay Guillermo were named first-team All-ACC on offense. Defensive first-team all-conference selections were defensive tackle Carlos Watkins, linebacker Ben Boulware, and defensive backs Cordrea Tankersley and Jadar Johnson. Offseason Players lost CB Mackensie Alexander - Declared for NFL Draft RB Zach Brooks DT Kevin Dodd S T. J. Green - Declared for NFL Draft LB B. J. Goodson S Jayron Kearse DE Shaq Lawson - Declared for NFL Draft WR Charone Peake DT D. J. Reader Schedule Clemson announced their schedule for the 2016 season on January 26, 2016.Clemson announces 2016 football schedule January 26, 2016 http://counton2.com/2016/01/26/clemson-announces-2016-football-schedule/ WCBD News2 January 27, 2016 The Tigers' schedule consisted of 7 home games and 5 away games. Clemson hosted conference opponents Louisville, NC State, Syracuse, and Pitt and travel to Florida State, Boston College, Wake Forest, and Georgia Tech. The Tigers hosted out-of-conference opponents Troy, South Carolina State and South Carolina and travelled to out-of-conference opponent Auburn. Clemson's out-of-conference opponents represented the Sun Belt, MEAC, and SEC conferences, respectively. 2016 AP Poll and CFP Rankings after November 1 released prior to game Eastern September 3 9:00 p.m. w y y 2 Auburn rivalry Jordan–Hare Stadium Auburn, AL ESPN 19–13 87,451 September 10 12:30 p.m. w y 2 Troy Memorial Stadium Clemson, SC ACCN 30–24 78,532 September 17 Noon w y 5 South Carolina State Memorial Stadium Clemson, SC ACCRSN 59–0 79,590 September 22 Thursday 7:30 p.m. w y 5 Georgia Tech rivalry Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA ESPN 26–7 53,932 October 1 8:00 p.m. w 5 Louisville 3 College GameDay Memorial Stadium Clemson, SC ABC 42–36 83,362 October 7 Friday 7:30 p.m. w y 3 Boston College O'Rourke–McFadden Trophy Alumni Stadium Chestnut Hill, MA ESPN 56–10 44,500 October 15 Noon w y 3 NC State Textile Bowl Memorial Stadium Clemson, SC ABC 24–17 OT 81,200 October 29 8:00 p.m. w y 3 Florida State 12 rivalry Doak Campbell Stadium Tallahassee, FL ABC 37–34 78,025 November 5 3:30 p.m. w 2 Syracuse Memorial Stadium Clemson, SC ABC/ESPN2 54–0 80,609 November 12 3:30 p.m. l 2 Pittsburgh Memorial Stadium Clemson, SC ABC 42–43 81,048 November 19 7:00 p.m. w y 4 Wake Forest BB&T Field Winston-Salem, NC ESPN 35–13 31,512 November 26 7:30 p.m. w y 4 South Carolina Palmetto Bowl Memorial Stadium Clemson, SC ESPN 56–7 81,542 December 3 8:00 p.m. w y 3 Virginia Tech 23 ACC Championship Game Camping World Stadium Orlando, FL ABC 42–35 50,628 December 31 7:00 p.m. w y y 2 Ohio State 3 Fiesta Bowl–CFP Semifinal) (College GameDay University of Phoenix Stadium Glendale, AZ ESPN 31–0 71,279 January 9, 2017 8:30 p.m. w y y 2 Alabama 1 CFP National Championship / rivalry) (College GameDay Raymond James Stadium Tampa, FL ESPN 35–31 74,512 Rankings 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings 16 9 2 (16) 2 (7) 2 (2) 2 (2) 5 3 (1) 5 3 (1) 5 3 (1) 3 (1) 3 (2) 3 (2) 3 (1) 4 3 (1) 3 3 (1) 3 3 (1) 2 3 2 (2) 2 3 2 2 5 4 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 (60) 1 (60) Personnel Coaching staff Head coach Dabo Swinney added two new additions to the Tigers' coaching staff in late March 2016 with Mickey Conn and Kyle Richardson.http://www.tigernet.com/story/football/Swinney-breaks-decision-hire-high-school-coaches-14688 Swinney breaks down his decision to hire two high school coaches TigerNet.com March 21, 2016 April 21, 2016 Swinney hired former Grayson (GA) head coach Mickey Conn as a defensive analyst for the Tigers along with former Northwestern (SC) head coach Kyle Richardson, who will serve as the team's offensive analyst. Both coaches were extremely successful at their former high schools with a combined win–loss record of 195–61 and numerous championship titles.http://www.gwinnettprepsports.com/schools/grayson/grayson-head-football-coach-mickey-conn-resigns-for-position-with/article_fcc4ffd8-ec3c-11e5-80c9-e7fd77f6eb40.html Grayson head football coach Mickey Conn resigns for position with Clemson football www.gwinnettprepsports.com April 21, 2016http://www.maxpreps.com/local/team/records/year_by_year_results.aspx?gendersport=boys,football&schoolid=0ef5b507-0ba0-4fed-8e94-d24f2f552aa9 Northwestern Football Year-by-Year Results www.maxpreps.com April 21, 2016 Name Position CU Years Alma mater Dabo Swinney Head Coach 14th Alabama (1993) Dan Brooks Associate head coach / Defensive tackles Coach 8th Western Carolina (1976) Danny Pearman Assistant Head Coach / special teams coordinator / tight ends coach 9th Clemson (1987) Brent Venables Defensive Coordinator / linebackers coach 5th Kansas State (1992) Marion Hobby Co-defensive Coordinator / Defensive Ends Coach 7th Tennessee (1995) Jeff Scott Co-offensive Coordinator / wide receivers coach 9th Clemson (2003) Tony Elliott Co-offensive Coordinator / running backs Coach 6th Clemson (2002) Robbie Caldwell Offensive Linemen Coach 6th Furman (1977) Mike Reed Defensive backs coach 4th Boston College (1994) Brandon Streeter Recruiting coordinator / quarterbacks Coach 3rd Clemson (1999) Joey Batson Director of strength and conditioning 20th Newberry College (1981) Mickey Conn Defensive Analyst 1st Alabama (1995) Kyle Richardson Offensive Analyst 1st Appalachian State (2001) Zac Alley Graduate assistant 6th Clemson University (2014) Roster 2016 Clemson Tigers FootballQuarterback  2 Kelly Bryant – sophomore (6'3, 215)  4 Deshaun Watson – junior (6'2, 210)  6 Zerrick Cooper – freshman (6'4, 205) 10 Tucker Israel – 10px|Redshirt freshman (5'11, 195) 12 Nick Schuessler – 10px|Redshirt senior (6'3, 200) 18 James Barnes – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'1, 175) Running back  9 Wayne Gallman – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'1, 215) 21 Darien Rencher – freshman (5'8, 190) 22 Tyshon Dye – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'0, 215) 26 Adam Choice – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (5'9, 215) 27 C.J. Fuller – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (5'10, 210) 28 Tavien Feaster – freshman (6'0, 205) Wide receiver  1 Trevion Thompson – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'2, 200)  3 Artavis Scott – junior (5'11, 190)  7 Mike Williams – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'4, 220)  8 Deon Cain – sophomore (6'2, 200) 11 Shadell Bell – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'2, 200) 13 Hunter Renfrow – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (5'10, 175) (+P) 14 Diondre Overton – freshman (6'5, 195) 17 Cornell Powell – freshman (6'1, 200) 18 T. J. Chase – freshman (6'2, 185) 34 Ray-Ray McCloud – sophomore (5'10, 180) 81 Kanyon Tuttle – 10px|Redshirt freshman (5'11, 170) 82 Adrien Dunn – 10px|Redshirt junior (5'7, 175) 83 Carter Groomes – freshman (5'9, 180) 85 Seth Ryan – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'0, 175) 86 Ty Thomason – 10px|Redshirt freshman (5'10, 210) 88 Sean Mac Lain – senior (6'4, 210) Tight end 16 Jordan Leggett – senior (6'5, 255) 25 J.C. Chalk – freshman (6'4, 230) 44 Garrett Williams – sophomore (6'2, 235) 80 Milan Richard – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'2, 250) 83 Jesse Fisher – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'4, 215) 84 Cannon Smith – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'5, 260) 87 D.J. Greenlee – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'2, 245) Placekicker 39 Christian Groomes – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (5'10, 185) (+P) 47 Alex Spence – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'1, 190) 92 Greg Huegel – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (5'11, 185) Offensive lineman 50 Justin Falcinelli - OL – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'3, 305) 51 Taylor Hearn - OL – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'5, 330) 55 Tyrone Crowder - OG – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'2, 330) 57 Jay Guillermo - OL – 10px|Redshirt senior (6'3, 325) 59 Gage Cervenka - OL – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'3, 305) 60 Kelby Bevelle - OL – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'4, 260) 62 Cade Stewart - OL – freshman (6'4, 310) 63 Jake Fruhmorgen - OT – sophomore (6'6, 280) 64 Pat Godfrey - OL – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'3, 260) 69 Maverick Morris - OG – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'5, 300) 70 Seth Penner - OG – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'3, 320) 71 Noah Green - OL – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'5, 285) 72 Logan Tisch - OL – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'2, 290) 73 Tremayne Anchrum - OL – freshman (6'3, 290) 74 John Simpson - OL – freshman (6'4, 290) 75 Mitch Hyatt - OT – sophomore (6'5, 295) 76 Sean Pollard - OL – freshman (6'5, 295) 77 Zach Giella - C – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'5, 295) 78 Chandler Reeves - OL – freshman (6'6, 270) 79 Matthew Ryan - C – freshman (6'2, 320) Defensive lineman  7 Lasamuel Davis – freshman (6'4, 215) 22 Xavier Kelly - DE – freshman (6'5, 255) 40 Jaquarius Brice - DE – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'1, 215) 42 Christian Wilkins - DT – sophomore (6'4, 315) 45 Chris Register - DE – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'2, 245) 49 Richard Yeargin - DE – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'3, 255) 50 Jabril Robinson - DT – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'2, 280) 56 Scott Pagano - DT – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'3, 295) 61 Kaleb Bevelle - DE – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'4, 255) 67 Albert Huggins - DT – sophomore (6'4, 295) 90 Dexter Lawrence - DT – freshman (6'5, 340) 91 Austin Bryant - DE – sophomore (6'4, 265) 92 Nyles Pinckney - DT – freshman (6'3, 300) 93 Sterling Johnson - DE – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'4, 295) 94 Carlos Watkins - DT – 10px|Redshirt senior (6'3, 300) 99 Clelin Ferrell - DE – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'5, 255) Punter 32 Andy Teasdall – 10px|Redshirt senior (5'11, 190) 48 Will Spiers – freshman (6'5, 220) 96 Michael Batson – 10px|Redshirt freshman (5'10, 200) 97 Carson King – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'0, 215) Linebacker  5 Shaq Smith – freshman (6'3, 240)  6 Dorian O'Daniel – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'1, 215) 10 Ben Boulware – senior (5'11, 240) 30 Jalen Williams – sophomore (5'9, 225) 33 J.D. Davis – sophomore (6'1, 225) 34 Kendall Joseph – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'0, 230) 36 Judah Davis – sophomore (6'1, 225) 43 Chad Smith – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'4, 235) 46 Jarvis Magwood – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'0, 215) 47 James Skalski – freshman (6'2, 225) 52 Connor Prevost – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'0, 220) 53 Regan Upshaw – freshman (6'2, 220) 57 Tre Lamar – freshman (6'4, 240) 59 Connor Sekas – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'2, 220) Defensive back  1 Trayvon Mullen - DB – freshman (6'3, 175)  2 Mark Fields - CB – sophomore (5'10, 195)  9 Brian Dawkins Jr. - DB – freshman (5'9, 175) 11 Isaiah Simmons - DB – freshman (6'4, 215) 12 K'Von Wallace - DB – freshman (6'1, 190) 14 Denzel Johnson - CB – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'0, 200) 15 Korrin Wiggins - S – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'0, 200) 18 Jadar Johnson - S – senior (6'1, 205) 19 Tanner Muse - S – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'2, 230) 21 Adrian Baker - CB – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'0, 180) 23 Van Smith - S – sophomore (6'0, 190) 24 Nolan Turner - DB – freshman (6'2, 190) 25 Cordrea Tankersley - CB – senior (6'1, 195) 29 Marcus Edmond - CB – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'0, 170) 31 Ryan Carter - CB – 10px|Redshirt junior (5'9, 175) 32 Kyle Cote - S – 10px|Redshirt freshman (5'10, 170) 37 Austin Jackson - S – sophomore (6'2, 200) 37 Cameron Scott - S – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (5'10, 205) 38 Amir Trapp - CB – 10px|Redshirt freshman (5'8, 155) 40 Hall Morton - S – freshman (5'8, 160) Long snappers 52 Austin Spence – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'2, 195) 58 Patrick Phibbs – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'3, 200) 59 Bradley Tatko – 10px|Redshirt junior (6'0, 225) 62 David Estes – 10px|Redshirt senior (6'1, 200) Recruiting class yes yes 2016 Dexter Lawrence DT Wake Forest, North Carolina Wake Forest H.S. 6 4 327 — December 14, 2015 5 5 5 5 Tre Lamar LB Roswell, Georgia Roswell H.S. 6 4 240 — July 17, 2015 4 5 4 4 Rahshaun Smith LB Bradenton, Florida IMG Academy 6 3 239 — January 2, 2016 4 5 3 4 Tavien Feaster RB Spartanburg, South Carolina Spartanburg H.S. 5 11 196 4.40 February 4, 2015 4 4 4 4 Trayvon Mullen DB Coconut Creek, Florida Coconut Creek H.S. 6 2 170 — February 3, 2016 4 4 4 4 Xavier Kelly DE Wichita, Kansas East H.S. 6 4.5 240 — July 24, 2015 4 4 4 4 Cornell Powell WR Greenville, North Carolina J.H. Rose H.S. 6 2 200 4.45 February 4, 2015 4 4 4 4 Nyles Pinckney DT Seabrook, South Carolina Whale Branch H.S. 6 1 295 — August 21, 2015 3 4 3 4 John Simpson OG North Charleston, South Carolina Fort Dorchester H.S. 6 4 290 — February 3, 2016 4 4 4 4 Diondre Overton WR Greensboro, North Carolina Page H.S. 6 5 200 — January 3, 2016 4 4 4 4 Tavares Chase WR Plant City, Florida Plant City H.S. 6 2 167 — January 31, 2015 4 4 4 4 Zerrick Cooper QB Jonesboro, Georgia Jonesboro H.S. 6 4 206 — October 11, 2015 4 4 4 4 Sean Pollard OL Southern Pines, North Carolina Pinecrest H.S. 6 6 305 — December 12, 2014 4 4 4 4 Isaiah Simmons DB Olathe, Kansas Olathe North H.S. 6 3 205 — February 3, 2016 4 4 4 4 Tremayne Anchrum OG Powder Springs, Georgia McEachern H.S. 6 3 268 — November 19, 2015 3 3 3 3 J.C. Chalk TE Argyle, Texas Argyle H.S. 6 4 240 — November 6, 2014 3 4 3 4 James Skalski LB Newnan, Georgia Northgate H.S. 6 1 225 — February 4, 2015 3 3 3 3 Chandler Reeves OT McDonough, Georgia Eagles Landing Christian H.S. 6 6 255 — June 19, 2015 3 3 3 3 K'Von Wallace DB Highland Springs, Virginia Highland Springs H.S. 6 0 172 — February 3, 2016 3 3 3 3 yes 2016 Clemson Football Commitments 2015 Clemson Football Commits ESPN clemson 14 5 10 8 February 6, 2016 Game summaries Auburn 2016 Auburn Tigers football team Auburn–Clemson football rivalry Clemson Tigers ;text-align:center; autocollapse yes No. 2 Clemson Tigers at Auburn Tigers − Game summary September 3, 2016 8:11 p.m. No. 2 Clemson 0 10 3 6 Auburn 0 3 0 10 Jordan–Hare Stadium • Auburn, AL 87,451 Temperature: 79° • Wind: E 5 mph • Weather: Clear Skies Jeff Heaser ESPN Brent Musburger (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst), Kaylee Hartung (sideline reporter) Sources:http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewContent.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1881962 Clemson vs. Auburn stats (HTML) - Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site January 11, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20161209233427/http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewContent.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1881962 December 9, 2016 deadClemson vs Auburn (Sep 3, 2016) http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2016-2017/au01.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160907130422/http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2016-2017/au01.html 7 September 2016 15 January 2022 www.auburntigers.com Second quarter (12:58) AUB FG - Daniel Carlson: 53 yards (07:34) CLEM TD - Wayne Gallman 1 yard run (Greg Huegel PAT). (00:07) CLEM FG - Greg Huegel: 30 yards Third quarter (10:36) CLEM FG - Greg Huegel 40 yards Fourth quarter (13:46) AUB FG - Daniel Carlson: 32 yards (09:59) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 16 yard pass to Hunter Renfrow (Greg Huegel PAT failed) (03:22) AUB TD - Kerryon Johnson 9 yard run (Daniel Carlson PAT) Top passers CLEM - Deshaun Watson 19-34, 248 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT AUB - Sean White 10-21, 140 yards, 1 INT Top rushers CLEM - Wayne Gallman 30 carries, 123 yards, 1 TD AUB - Kerryon Johnson 23 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD Top Receiving CLEM - Mike Williams 9 receptions, 174 yards AUB - Marcus Davis 5 receptions, 56 yards Clemson began the year ranked second in the AP Poll and traveled to unranked historic rival Auburn to begin the season. Clemson survived an early scare and won the game 19–13.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400868971 No. 2 Clemson, Watson survive 19-13 scare against Auburn September 4, 2016 ESPN.com Associated Press Clemson received the opening kickoff and got as far as the Auburn 32 yard line but failed to convert on 4th and 5. Both teams struggled to move the ball for the first quarter. Auburn opened the scoring early in the second quarter with a 53-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson. Clemson responded with a 13-play, 84-yard drive that ended with a one-yard touchdown run by Wayne Gallman. Clemson got the ball back with 3:00 left in the half and extended their lead with a 30-yard field goal by Greg Huegel. The score was 10–3 at halftime. After forcing an Auburn three-and-out to open the second half, Clemson again kicked a field goal, this one from 40-yards out to bring the score to 13–3 Clemson. After the teams traded interceptions and another set of unsuccessful downs, Auburn kicked a 32-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. Clemson responded with a 75-yard drive that ended with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to Hunter Renfrow, but Greg Heugel's extra point attempt missed off the upright, after which the score was 19–6 with 9:59 left in the game. Auburn's Kerryon Johnson scored a nine-yard touchdown run with 3:22 left to pull within 6 points. Clemson drove to the Auburn 17 yard line, but elected to go for it on 4th and 4 with 40 seconds left in the game rather than kick a field goal to potentially go up by 9 points. The fourth down attempt failed, and Auburn had a chance to win the game with their final drive. Head coach Dabo Swinney explained the decision: "We just didn't want to take a shot at the field goal right there. We felt like as good as we had played defensively, with them having no timeouts, it was going to be very difficult for them to go score." Auburn advanced to the Clemson 40 yard line, but a series of Hail Mary passes came up incomplete, and the game was over. Deshaun Watson finished with 248 yards in the game, and wide receiver Mike Williams finished with 174 yards. Troy 2016 Troy Trojans football team Clemson Tigers ;text-align:center; autocollapse yes Troy Trojans at No. 2 Clemson Tigers − Game summary September 10, 2016 12:30 p.m. Troy 3 7 0 14 No. 2 Clemson 3 10 0 17 Memorial Stadium • Clemson, SC 78,532 Temperature: 90° • Wind: WSW 5 mph • Weather: Sunny Danny Short ACCN Tom Werme (Play-by-Play), Dave Archer (Color Analyst), Roddy Jones (Sideline Reporter) Sources:http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewContent.dbml?SPSID=657769&SPID=103701&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1885777 Clemson vs. Troy game book (9/10) - Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site January 11, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20161209213514/http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewContent.dbml?SPSID=657769&SPID=103701&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1885777 December 9, 2016 deadhttp://rubbingtherock.com/2016/09/07/clemson-football-vs-troy-game-info/ Clemson Football vs Troy: Game Announcers, TV Info, More Shawn Spencer September 7, 2016 Fansided Rubbing the Rock January 11, 2017 December 2, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161202234248/http://rubbingtherock.com/2016/09/07/clemson-football-vs-troy-game-info/ dead First quarter (10:22) TROY FG - Ryan Kay: 39 yards (07:28) CLEM FG - Greg Huegel: 26 yards Second quarter (10:06) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 35 yard pass to Hunter Renfrow (Greg Huegel PAT). (7:52) TROY TD - Jabir Frye 66 yard run (Ryan Kay PAT). (02:45) CLEM FG - Greg Huegel: 32 yards Fourth quarter (13:50) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 1 yard pass to Christian Wilkins (Greg Huegel PAT). (10:00) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 23 yard pass to Deion Cain (Greg Huegel PAT). (04:59) TROY TD - Brandon Silvers 2 yard pass to Deondre Douglas (Ryan Kay PAT). (02:25) CLEM FG - Greg Huegel: 34 yards (00:44) TROY TD - Brandon Silvers 1 yard pass to Deondre Douglas (Ryan Kay PAT). Top passers CLEM - Deshaun Watson 27-53, 292 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT TROY - Brandon Silvers 24-42, 233 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers CLEM - Deshaun Watson 10 carries, 55 yards TROY - Jabir Frye 4 carries, 61 yards Top Receiving CLEM - Ray-Ray McCloud 7 receptions, 86 yards TROY - Deondre Douglas 11 receptions, 93 yards, 2 TD Clemson returned home for their home opener against Troy of the Sun Belt Conference. The Tigers had another surprisingly close game against an unranked opponent, pulling away late for a 30–24 win.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869430 Clemson overcomes McCloud's ball flip to hold off Troy 30-24 September 10, 2016 ESPN.com Associated Press After the two teams each went three-and-out on their first two drives, Troy opened the scoring with a 39-yard field goal. Clemson tied the game with a 26-yard field goal on the following drive. Early in the second quarter, Clemson scored the game's first touchdown with a Deshaun Watson 35-yard pass to Hunter Renfrow. Troy tied the game on the next drive with a 66-yard touchdown run by Jabir Frye. Later in the quarter, Clemson kicked a 32-yard field goal to take a 13–10 lead. On Troy's next drive, the Trojans were forced to punt, and Clemson's Ray-Ray McCloud appeared to return the punt 75 yards for a touchdown. The play was reviewed, however, and it was revealed that McCloud celebrated too early and released the ball for a fumble just before the goal line. Troy was awarded the ball at the 20 yard line and advanced into Clemson territory, but missed a 48-yard field goal attempt just before the half. The third quarter featured no points scored, with seven punts by the two teams and a Deshaun Watson interception. Early in the fourth quarter, Clemson capped off an 81-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown pass from Watson to defensive end Christian Wilkins. On the next drive, Clemson scored another touchdown via a 23-yard pass from Watson to Deon Cain to push the score to 27–10 Clemson. With 4:59 left in the game, Troy scored another touchdown via a two-yard pass from Brandon Silvers to Deondre Douglas. Clemson kicked a field goal on the following drive. With 44 seconds left, Troy pulled within 6 points by scoring another touchdown with another Silvers to Douglas pass. Troy's onside kick attempt failed, and Clemson drained the clock to win the game. Deshaun Watson finished with 292 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in the game. South Carolina State 2016 South Carolina State Bulldogs football team Clemson Tigers ;text-align:center; autocollapse yes South Carolina State Bulldogs at No. 5 Clemson Tigers − Game summary September 17, 2016 12:05 p.m. South Carolina State 0 0 0 0 No. 5 Clemson 31 14 14 0 Memorial Stadium • Clemson, SC 79,590 Temperature: 73° • Wind: W 7 mph • Weather: Mostly sunny Stuart Mullins ACCRSN Wes Durham (Play-by-Play), James Bates (Color Analyst), Jenn Hildreth (Sideline Reporter) Sources:http://www.clemsontigers.com//ViewContent.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1888968 CU091716 - Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site January 11, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20161209213436/http://www.clemsontigers.com//ViewContent.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1888968 December 9, 2016 deadhttp://rubbingtherock.com/2016/09/14/clemson-football-vs-s-c-state-game-announcers-tv-info/ Clemson Football vs S.C. State: Game Announcers, TV info, More Shawn Spencer September 14, 2016 Fansided Rubbing the Rock January 11, 2017 December 20, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161220030458/http://rubbingtherock.com/2016/09/14/clemson-football-vs-s-c-state-game-announcers-tv-info/ dead First quarter (11:33) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 7 yard pass to Ray-Ray McCloud (Greg Hugel PAT). (05:20) CLEM TD - Wayne Gallman 3 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). (05:20) CLEM TD - Denzel Johnson 0 yard fumble recovery (Greg Hugel PAT). (03:18) CLEM TD - Nick Schuessler 45 yard pass to Diondre Overton (Greg Hugel PAT). (1:39) CLEM FG - Greg Hugel: 26 yards Second quarter (13:41) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 36 yard pass to Ray-Ray McCloud (Greg Hugel PAT). (09:56) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 16 yard pass to Deon Cain (Greg Hugel PAT). Third quarter (06:29) CLEM TD - Tavien Feaster 4 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). (00:55) CLEM TD - Kelly Bryant 7 yard pass to Trevion Thompson (Greg Hugel PAT). Fourth quarter Top passers CLEM - Deshaun Watson 12-15, 152 yards, 3 TD SC STATE - Caleb York 8-22, 54 yards, 1 INT Top rushers CLEM - Tavien Feaster 12 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD SC STATE - Labron Morris 12 carries, 41 yards Top Receiving CLEM - Ray-Ray McCloud 4 receptions, 60 yards, 2 TD SC STATE - Lynard Jamison 3 receptions, 33 yards For their third game of the year, Clemson hosted in-state FCS foe South Carolina State. Clemson won in a predictable blow-out, 59–0. The two teams' head coaches agreed at halftime to shorten the quarters in the second half to 12 minutes each from the usual 15 minutes.http://thespun.com/acc/clemson/clemson-south-carolina-state-quarters Clemson, South Carolina State Agree To 12-Minute Quarters September 17, 2016 January 11, 2017 Clemson scored on each of their first six drives in the first half, and had a special teams score as well. On the opening drive, Deshaun Watson completed a seven-yard touchdown pass to Ray-Ray McCloud. On the second drive, running back Wayne Gallman ran for a three-yard score. On the ensuing kickoff, the SC State return man fielded the ball in the endzone, and flipped the ball toward the referee without ever signalling for a fair catch or kneeling with the ball for a touchback. Clemson jumped on the ball in the endzone for the touchdown. After a 45-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Nick Schuessler to Diondre Overton, a Bulldog interception, and a Tiger field goal, Clemson was up 31–0 at the end of the first quarter. Deshaun Watson added two touchdown passes in the second quarter, and the score was 45–0 at halftime. In shortened quarters in the second half, Clemson added two more touchdowns via a run by Tavien Feaster and a pass from Kelly Bryant to Trevion Thompson. With the 59–0 win, Clemson improved to 31–0 all-time against FCS opponents.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869438 No. 5 Clemson routs SC State 59-0 in shortened game September 17, 2016 ESPN.com Associated Press At Georgia Tech 2016 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team Clemson–Georgia Tech football rivalry Clemson Tigers ;text-align:center; autocollapse yes No. 5 Clemson Tigers at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets − Game summary September 22, 2016 7:23 p.m. No. 5 Clemson 14 9 0 3 Georgia Tech 0 0 0 7 Bobby Dodd Stadium • Atlanta, GA 53,932 Temperature: 84° • Wind: NNW 5 mph • Weather: Clear Duane Heydt ESPN David Flemming (Play-by-Play), Jesse Palmer (Color Analyst), Laura Rutledge (sideline reporter) Sources:http://rubbingtherock.com/2016/09/21/clemson-football-vs-gt-game-announcers-tv-info/ Clemson Football vs GT: Game Announcers, TV Info, and More Shawn Spencer September 21, 2016 Fansided Rubbing the Rock January 11, 2017 November 30, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161130041115/http://rubbingtherock.com/2016/09/21/clemson-football-vs-gt-game-announcers-tv-info/ dead First quarter (11:25) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 4 yard pass to Mike Williams (Greg Hugel PAT). (02:26) CLEM TD - Wayne Gallman 1 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). Second quarter (02:00) CLEM SAFETY (00:04) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 9 yard pass to Jordan Leggett (Greg Hugel PAT). Third quarter Fourth quarter (13:21) GT TD - D. Mills 2 yard run (H Butker PAT). (09:57) CLEM FG - Greg Hugel: 47 yards. Top passers CLEM - Deshaun Watson 32-48, 304 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT GT - Justin Thomas 4-13, 29 yards Top rushers CLEM - Wayne Gallman 17 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD GT - D. Mills, 16 carres, 75 yards, 1 TD Top Receiving CLEM - Ray-Ray McCloud 8 receptions, 101 yards GT - B. Stewart 1 reception 26 yards Clemson next traveled to Atlanta for a Thursday night game against Georgia Tech in their conference opener. Clemson rolled early and came away with a convincing 26–7 win.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869446 Deshaun Watson, Clemson roll past Georgia Tech as Louisville looms September 23, 2016 ESPN.com Associated Press Clemson received the opening kickoff and scored in their opening drive via a four-yard touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to Mike Williams. Clemson's next drive ended in a missed 27-yard field goal by Greg Heugel, but the Tigers scored on the following drive with a one-yard run by Wayne Gallman. Late in the second quarter, Watson threw an interception in Georgia Tech's endzone, but the Georgia Tech defender fumbled the ball and his teammate fell on it for a Clemson safety. The Tigers then marched down the field in the final minutes of the half and scored another touchdown, a nine-yard pass from Watson to Jordan Leggett, to bring the score to 23–0 at halftime. The second half was mostly uneventful, with the first points coming early in the fourth quarter via a Georgia Tech two-yard touchdown run to break up shutout. Clemson added a field goal to bring the score to 26–7 at the end. Deshaun Watson crossed the 300 yard mark for the first time on the year, finishing with 304 yards and two touchdowns. Louisville 2016 Louisville Cardinals football team Clemson Tigers ;text-align:center; autocollapse yes No. 3 Louisville Cardinals at No. 5 Clemson Tigers − Game summary October 4, 2016 8:22 p.m. No. 3 Louisville 0 10 16 10 No. 5 Clemson 0 28 0 14 Memorial Stadium • Clemson, SC 83,362 Temperature: 72° • Wind: Calm • Weather: Clear Gary Patterson ABC Chris Fowler (Play-by-Play), Kirk Herbstreit (Color Analyst), Samantha Ponder, and Tom Rinaldi (sideline reporter) Sources:http://www.clemsontigers.com//ViewContent.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1898967 CU1001 - Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site January 11, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20161230032043/http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewContent.dbml?CONTENT_ID=1898967&DB_OEM_ID=28500 December 30, 2016 deadhttp://rubbingtherock.com/2016/09/28/clemson-football-vs-louisville-game-announcers-tv-info/ Clemson Football vs Louisville: Game Announcers, TV Info, More Shawn Spencer September 28, 2016 Fansided Rubbing the Rock January 11, 2017 December 1, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161201020553/http://rubbingtherock.com/2016/09/28/clemson-football-vs-louisville-game-announcers-tv-info/ dead First quarter Second quarter (14:18) UL TD - Jeremey Smith 1 yard run (Blanton Creque PAT). (07:45) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 33 yard pass to Deon Cain (Greg Hugel PAT). (06:09) CLEM TD - Wayne Gallman 24 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). (03:47) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 37 yard pass to Deon Cain (Greg Hugel PAT). (00:37) UL FG - Blanton Creque: 26 yards (00:05) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watsonn 5 yard pass to Artavis Scott (Greg Hugel PAT). Third quarter (11:20) UL TD - Lamar Jackson 8 yard pass to James Quick (Blanton Creque PAT failed). (05:21) UL FG - Blanton Creque: 21 yards (00:45) UL TD - Lamar Jackson 1 yard run (Blanton Creque PAT). Fourth quarter (10:23) UL FG - Blanton Creque: 28 yards (07:52) UL TD - Lamar Jackson 11 yard run (Blanton Creque PAT). (07:05) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 20 yard pass to Mike Williamson (2 PT Conversion failed). (03:14) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 31 yard pass to Jordan Leggett (2 PT Conversion GOOD - Watson to Leggett) Top passers CLEM - Deshaun Watson 20-31, 306 yards, 5 TD, 3 INT UL - Lamar Jackson 27-44, 295 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT Top rushers CLEM - Wayne Gallman 16 carries, 110 yards, 1 TD UL - Lamar Jackson 31 carries, 162 yards, 2 TD Top Receiving CLEM - Deon Cain 4 receptions, 98 yards, 2 TD UL - Cole Hikutini 7 receptions, 84 yards Clemson returned home for a highly anticipated match-up against Louisville. The Cardinals were led by eventual Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Lamar Jackson and were ranked third in the country, while Clemson had slid to fifth in the polls. ESPN College Gameday came to campus during the week of the game. The game lived up to the hype, as Clemson won a tight contest, 42–36.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869453 Watson TDs lift No. 5 Clemson to 42-36 win over Louisville October 2, 2016 ESPN.com Associated Press The game started off slowly, with each team punting on their first three possessions. Louisville struck first in the second quarter with a one-yard touchdown run by Jeremy Smith. Clemson tied the game with a 33-yard pass from Deshaun Watson to Deon Cain. After a Louisville fumble at their own 39 yard line, Wayne Gallman extended the Clemson lead with a 24-yard touchdown run. With 3:27 left in the half, Watson completed another touchdown pass to Cain. Louisville kicked a field goal with 36 seconds left in the half, but Watson led a rapid touchdown drive before the half, completing a five-yard pass to Artavis Scott to make the score 28–10. The start of the second half went much better for the Cardinals, as they scored 26 unanswered points to take the lead. Clemson's first drive ended with a Deshaun Watson interception at their own 36 yard line, after which Lamar Jackson completed an eight-yard touchdown pass to James Quick. Louisville added a field goal, and then, after a fumble by Clemson's Jordan Leggett, scored another touchdown, this time on a one-yard Lamar Jackson run. Louisville added another field goal, followed by another Watson interception. Lamar Jackson led the Cardinals down the field and ran in for an 11-yard touchdown to take a 36–28 lead with 7:52 remaining in the game. Clemson's Artavis Scott returned the ensuing kickoff 77 yards to the Louisville 23 yard line, and Deshaun Watson connected with Mike Williams for a 20-yard touchdown two plays later. A Clemson two-point conversion attempt ended in an interception, and so Clemson trailed by two points. The Tiger defense forced a Louisville three-and-out, and Watson led Clemson down the field again and scored a 31-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Leggett to take the lead with 3:14 remaining. Watson and Leggett connected again for the two-point conversion and a six-point lead. Lamar Jackson led the Cardinals down the field and got as far as the Clemson 9 yard line in the final minute of the game, but failed to convert on 4th and 12 and turned the ball over on downs. Clemson wound down the clock to win the game. Deshaun Watson threw for 306 passing yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He added 91 rushing yards on the ground. Louisville's Lamar Jackson had 295 passing yards and 162 rushing yards. At Boston College 2016 Boston College Eagles football team O'Rourke–McFadden Trophy Clemson Tigers ;text-align:center; autocollapse yes No. 3 Clemson Tigers at Boston College − Game summary October 7, 2016 7:32 p.m. No. 3 Clemson 21 0 14 21 Boston College 3 0 7 0 Alumni Stadium • Chestnut Hill, MA 44,500 Temperature: 61° • Wind: ESE 4 mph • Weather: Clear Jeff Maconaghy ESPN Anish Shroff (Play-by-Play), Ahmad Brooks (Color Analyst), Tiffany Greene (sideline reporter) Sources:http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewContent.dbml?SPSID=657769&SPID=103701&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1902183 Clemson vs. Boston College stats (HTML) - Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site January 11, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20161209232411/http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewContent.dbml?SPSID=657769&SPID=103701&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1902183 December 9, 2016 deadhttp://rubbingtherock.com/2015/10/14/clemson-vs-boston-college-game-announcers-tv-info-more/ Clemson vs Boston College: Game Announcers, TV Info, More Shawn Spencer October 14, 2015 Fansided Rubbing the Rock January 11, 2017 December 20, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161220030403/http://rubbingtherock.com/2015/10/14/clemson-vs-boston-college-game-announcers-tv-info-more/ dead First quarter (11:08) BC FG - Mike Knoll: 21 yards (09:22) CLEM TD - Wayne Gallman 59 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). (03:12) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 9 yard pass to Mike Williams (Greg Hugel PAT). (01:29) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 56 yard pass to Jordan Leggett (Greg Hugel PAT). Second quarter Third quarter (11:38) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 29 yard pass to Deon Cain (Greg Hugel PAT). (05:18) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 16 yard pass to Deon Cain (Greg Hugel PAT). (00:27) BC TD - Patrick Towles 1 yard pass to Bobby Wolford (Mike Knoll PAT). Fourth quarter (11:21) CLEM TD - Tyshon Dye 3 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). (03:09) CLEM TD - Tavien Feaster 45 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). (01:30) CLEM TD - Mark Fields 42 yard INT return (Greg Hugel PAT). Top passers CLEM - Deshaun Watson 15-25, 270 yards, 4 TD BC - Patrick Towles 11-22, 91 yards, 1 TD Top rushers CLEM - Wayne Gallman 9 carries, 109 yards, 1 TD BC - Davon Jones 12 carries, 48 yards Top Receiving CLEM - Deon Cain 3 receptions, 68 yards, 2 TD BC - Tommy Sweeney 4 receptions, 48 yards Clemson next traveled to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts to play Boston College. Clemson won convincingly to win the O'Rourke–McFadden Trophy, 56–10.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869457 Watson and No. 3 Clemson take of care business [sic] at BC, 56-10 October 7, 2016 ESPN.com Associated Press Boston College was forced to punt after their first drive, but Clemson's Ray-Ray McCloud fumbled the punt at Clemson's own nine yard line. BC settled for a 21-yard field goal four plays later. On the next drive, Wayne Gallman broke off a 59-yard touchdown run to take the lead for the Tigers. Deshaun Watson added two more first quarter touchdowns for Clemson via a nine-yard pass to Mike Williams and a 56-yard pass to Jordan Leggett. Neither team scored in the second quarter, and the score was 21–3 at halftime. Clemson scored touchdowns on each of their first three drives of the second half to put the game away. The first was a 29-yard pass from Watson to Deon Cain, followed by another Watson-to-Cain connection for 16 yards. Boston College's sole touchdown came in the third quarter via a one-yard pass from Bobby Wolford to Patrick Towles. Clemson scored two rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter, from Tyshon Dye and Tavien Feaster. Clemson scored one last time in the final two minutes with a 42-yard interception return for a touchdown by Mark Fields. NC State 2016 NC State Wolfpack football team Textile Bowl Clemson Tigers ;text-align:center; autocollapse yes NC State Wolfpack at No. 3 Clemson Tigers − Game summary October 15, 2016 12:07 p.m. North Carolina State 0 3 7 7 0 No. 3 Clemson 3 7 7 0 7 Memorial Stadium • Clemson, SC 82,104 Temperature: 73° • Wind: Light • Weather: Partly Sunny Jeff Flanagan ABC Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Todd McShay Sources:http://www.clemsontigers.com//ViewContent.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1906768 CU1015 - Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site January 11, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20161209232400/http://www.clemsontigers.com//ViewContent.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1906768 December 9, 2016 deadhttp://www.thestate.com/sports/college/acc/clemson-university/article107783492.html Gameday Guide: Clemson vs. N.C. State TV details and more January 11, 2017 First quarter (01:17) CLEM FG - Greg Huegel: 25 yards Second quarter (02:03) NCST FG - Kyle Bambard: 28 yards (00:10) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 13 yard pass to Mike Williams (Greg Hugel PAT). Third quarter (14:51) NCST TD - Mike Stevens 28 yard interception return (Kyle Bambard PAT). (01:03) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 4 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). Fourth quarter (11:29) NCST TD - Matthew Dayes 2 yard run (Kyle Bambard PAT). Overtime (15:00) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 10 yard pass to Artavis Scott (Greg Hugel PAT). Top passers CLEM - Deshaun Watson 35-52, 378 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT NCST - Ryan Finley 20-40, 231 yards, 2 INT Top rushers CLEM - C.J. Fuller 16 carries, 56 yards NCST - Matthew Dayes 22 carries, 108 yards, 1 TD Top Receiving CLEM - Mike Williams 12 receptions, 146 yards, 1 TD NCST - Jaylen Samuels 8 receptions, 100 yards Clemson next returned home to face ACC opponent NC State. Clemson survived another close call and won the game in overtime, 24–17.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869462 OT Thriller: No. 3 Clemson survives NC State, 24-17 October 15, 2016 ESPN.com Associated Press Clemson got on the board first with a late first quarter field goal by Greg Huegel. NC State answered with a field goal of their own with 2:03 left in the first half. Deshaun Watson led a successful two-minute drill and scored the game's first touchdown via a 13-yard pass to Mike Williams just before the half to secure a 10–3 lead. Clemson received the second half kickoff, but two plays later, Watson threw his first career pick six, returned 28 yards for a touchdown by NC State's Mike Stevens. Clemson fumbled the ball on their next two possessions, but benefited from a missed field goal and took a 17–10 lead with a Watson touchdown run late in the third quarter. NC State responded with a 14-play touchdown drive that ended in a two-yard run by Matthew Dayes to tie the game. Clemson was forced to punt with 6:39 remaining, and NC State was able to wind down the clock and drive the ball down to the Clemson 16 yard line. NC State kicker Kyle Bambard lined up for the potential game-winning field goal from just 33 yards out, but missed it wide right as time expired in regulation. In overtime, Clemson was able to score a touchdown with a 10-yard pass from Deshaun Watson to Artavis Scott. NC State's possession ended on the first play when Ryan Finley threw an interception caught by Marcus Edmond in the endzone. At Florida State 2016 Florida State Seminoles football team Clemson–Florida State football rivalry Clemson Tigers ;text-align:center; autocollapse yes No. 4 Clemson Tigers at No. 12 Florida State Seminoles− Game summary October 29, 2016 8:22 p.m. No. 4 Clemson 14 3 3 17 No. 12 Florida State 0 14 14 6 Doak Campbell Stadium • Tallahassee, FL 78,025 Temperature: 72° • Wind: Calm • Weather: Clear Jeff Heaser ABC Chris Fowler (Play-by-Play), Kirk Herbstreit (Color Analyst), Samantha Ponder (sideline reporter) Sources:http://www.clemsontigers.com//ViewContent.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1906768 CU1015 - Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site January 11, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20161209232400/http://www.clemsontigers.com//ViewContent.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1906768 December 9, 2016 dead First quarter (11:05) CLEM TD - Wayne Gallman 1 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). (01:41) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 4 yard pass to Hunter Renfrow (Greg Hugel PAT). Second quarter (08:20) FSU TD - Dalvin Cook 4 yard run (Roberto Aguayo PAT). (01:49) CLEM FG - Greg Hugel: 23 yards. (00:23) FSU TD - Dondre Francois 5 yard pass to Nyqwan Murray (Roberto Aguayo PAT). Third quarter (09:08) CLEM FG - Greg Hugel: 34 yards. (06:18) FSU TD - Dalvin Cook 43 yard run (Roberto Aguayo PAT). (00:43) FSU TD - Dalvin Cook 70 yard run (Roberto Aguayo PAT). Fourth quarter (11:30) CLEM TD - Wayne Gallman 2 yard run (2 Point Conversion failed). (05:25) CLEM FG - Greg Hugel: 46 yards. (03:23) FSU TD - Dalvin Cook 8 yard run (2 Point Conversion failed). (02:06) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 34 yard pass to Jordan Leggett (2 Point Conversion Good). Top passers CLEM - Deshaun Watson 27-43, 378 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT FSU - Dondre Francois 17-35, 286 yards, 1TD, 1 INT Top rushers CLEM - Wayne Gallman 20 carries, 82 yards, 2 TD FSU - Dalvin Cook 19 carries, 169 yards, 4 TD Top Receiving CLEM - Jordan Leggett 5 receptions, 122 yards, 1 TD FSU - Nyqwan Murray 6 receptions, 96 yards, 1 TD After the win against NC State, Clemson traveled to Tallahassee, Florida to face No. 12 Florida State. Clemson pulled off yet another close win, pulling ahead late to win 37–34. It was their first win on the road against FSU in 10 years.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869473 No. 3 Clemson rallies for 37-34 win over No. 12 Florida St October 30, 2016 ESPN.com Associated Press Clemson scored on the game's opening drive via a one-yard run by Wayne Gallman, and scored again on their following drive with a four-yard pass from Deshaun Watson to Hunter Renfrow to take an early 14–0. After a Watson interception at the FSU 40 yard line, the Seminoles scored with a four-yard run by Dalvin Cook. Clemson added a field goal with 1:49 left in the half, but Florida State was able to march down the field and score a five-yard touchdown pass from Deondre Francois to Nyqwan Murray before the half, making the score 17–14 Clemson at halftime. Clemson kicked a field goal on their first possession of the second half, but in their next possession, Watson threw another interception at their own 43 yard line. On the next play, Dalvin Cook ran the ball to the house for a touchdown and the lead. Later in the quarter, Cook extended the Florida State lead to eight with a 70-yard touchdown run. Clemson responded with a 75-yard drive that ended with a two-yard Wayne Gallman touchdown run to pull within two. The Tigers took a one point lead with a 46-yard field goal with 5:25 remaining. Dalvin Cook scored his career-high-setting fourth touchdown of the day with an eight-yard run with 3:23 remaining to claim the lead again for Florida State. Deshaun Watson responded with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Leggett, and the Tigers converted the two-point attempt to secure a 37–34 lead with 2:06 remaining. Florida State got as far as the Clemson 34 yard line, but penalties and a sack by Christian Wilkins pushed them far out of field goal range to end the game. Deshaun Watson finished with 430 total yards of offense in the game. Syracuse 2016 Syracuse Orange football team Clemson Tigers ;text-align:center; autocollapse yes Syracuse Orange at No. 3 Clemson Tigers − Game summary November 5, 2016 3:36 p.m. Syracuse 0 0 0 0 No. 3 Clemson 10 20 14 10 Memorial Stadium • Clemson, SC 80,609 Temperature: 70° • Wind: Light • Weather: Sunny David Epperley ABC Dave LaMont, Ray Bentley, Marty Smith Sources:http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewContent.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1925863 Clemson vs. Syracuse Box Score Clemson University Athletics June 9, 2017September 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes http://rubbingtherock.com/2015/11/11/clemson-vs-syracuse-game-announcers-tv-info-and-more/ Clemson vs Syracuse: Game Announcers, TV Info, and More rubbingtherock.com June 9, 2017 January 19, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190119174517/https://rubbingtherock.com/2015/11/11/clemson-vs-syracuse-game-announcers-tv-info-and-more/ dead First quarter (09:26) CLEM FG - Greg Huegel: 22 yards (03:47) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 1 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). Second quarter (14:11) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 65 yard pass to Deon Cain (Greg Hugel missed PAT). (07:16) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 14 yard pass to Mike Williams (Greg Hugel PAT). (01:27) CLEM TD - Nick Schuessler 5 yard pass to Artavis Scott (Greg Hugel PAT). Third quarter (12:08) CLEM TD - Wayne Gallman 5 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). (01:26) CLEM TD - Nick Schuessler 18 yard pass to Deon Cain (Greg Hugel PAT). Fourth quarter (11:42) CLEM FG - Greg Huegel: 46 yards (15:00) CLEM TD - Tanner Muse 64 yard interception return (Christian Groomes PAT). Top passers CLEM - Nick Schuessler 11-17, 177 yards, 2 TD SU - Austin Wilson 17-27, 116 yards, 2 INT Top rushers CLEM - Wayne Gallman 10 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD SU - Moe Neal 7 carries, 67 yards Top Receiving CLEM - Deon Cain 5 receptions, 125 yards, 2 TD SU - Amba Etta-Tawo 9 receptions, 84 yards After beating Florida State, Clemson returned home to face Syracuse. Clemson won in a blowout, 54–0.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869477 Watson leads No. 2 Clemson to blowout before injury November 5, 2016 ESPN.com Associated Press Deshaun Watson scored the game's first three touchdowns before leaving the game with a bruised shoulder. Head coach Dabo Swinney said the injury was not likely to affect the next week's game against Pittsburgh. His first touchdown came via a one-yard run, followed by a 65-yard pass to Deon Cain and then a 14-yard pass to Mike Williams. Nick Schuessler and Kelly Bryant traded snaps at quarterback for the remainder of the game. Schuessler had two touchdowns through the air, while Wayne Gallman added another on the ground. Tanner Muse added a 64-yard interception return in the fourth quarter for Clemson's last points of the day. Pittsburgh 2016 Pittsburgh Panthers football team Clemson Tigers ;text-align:center; autocollapse yes Pittsburgh Panthers at No. 3 Clemson Tigers − Game summary November 12, 2016 3:39 p.m. Pittsburgh 14 13 7 9 No. 3 Clemson 14 14 14 0 Memorial Stadium • Clemson, SC 81,048 Temperature: 63° • Wind: E6mph • Weather: Clear Duane Heydt ABC Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Todd McShay Sources:http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewContent.dbml?SPSID=657769&SPID=103701&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1932664 CU1112 Clemson Tigers Official Athletic Site Clemson University Athletics June 9, 2017September 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2016/11/12/13560472/clemson-pitt-time-tv-schedule-online-streaming-2016 Pitt vs. Clemson 2016: Start time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know November 12, 2016 sbnation.com June 9, 2017 First quarter (13:08) PITT TD - Nathan Peterman 15 yard pass to George Aston (Chris Blewitt PAT). (07:19) CLEM TD - Wayne Gallman 1 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). (05:28) PITT TD - Nathan Peterman 46 yard pass to James Conner (chris Blewitt PAT). (00:40) CLEM TD - Wayne Gallman 1 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). Second quarter (10:06) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 15 yard pass to Mike Williams (Greg Hugel PAT). (09:33) PITT TD - Nathan Peterman 55 yard pass to Scott Orndoff (Chris Blewitt PAT blocked). (02:23) PITT TD - Nathan Peterman 1 yard pass to George Aston (Chris Blewitt PAT) (1:09) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 13 yard pass to Artavis Scott (Greg Huegel PAT) Third quarter (09:53) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 27 yard pass to Deon Cain (Greg Huegel PAT). (04:35) PITT TD - Nathan Peterman 7 yard pass to Scott Orndoff (Chris Blewitt kick). (01:37) CLEM TD - Wayne Gallman 1 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). Fourth quarter (05:17) PITT TD - James Conner 20 yard run (2 point conversion failed) (00:06) PITT FG - Chris Blewitt: 48 yards. Top passers CLEM - Deshaun Watson 52-70, 580 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT PITT - Nathan Peterman 22-37, 308 yards, 5 TD Top rushers CLEM - Wayne Gallman 18 carries, 36 yards, 3 TD PITT - James Conner 20 carries, 134 yards, 1 TD Top Receiving CLEM - Mike Williams 15 receptions, 202 yards, 1 TD PITT - Scott Orndoff 9 receptions, 128 yards, 2 TD Clemson's next game was against Pittsburgh. The Panthers stunned the Tigers at home, winning by a score of 43–42. It was the first loss to an unranked opponent in 46 games for Clemson, who at the time of the game was ranked second in the CFP rankings and third in the AP Poll.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869485 Pitt stuns No. 2 Clemson on Chris Blewitt's 48-yard field goal November 12, 2016 ESPN.com Associated Press Pittsburgh received the opening kickoff and scored on their first drive with a pass from Nathan Peterman to George Aston from 15 yards out. Wayne Gallman tied the game for Clemson with a one-yard touchdown run two drives later. Pittsburgh responded with a 46-yard touchdown pass from Peterman to James Conner, which was followed by another one-yard Gallman run to tie the game at 14 apiece at the end of the first quarter. Clemson took the lead with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to Mike Williams, but Pittsburgh scored once again with a 55-yard touchdown pass from Peterman to Scott Orndoff. Chris Blewitt's extra point missed, so Pittsburgh trailed 21–20. The Panthers took the lead with 2:23 left in the first half with another Peterman touchdown pass, this time from one yard out complete to George Aston. Clemson took back their one point lead with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Watson to Artavis Scott with 1:09 remaining in the half. Pittsburgh drove to the Clemson 35 yard line in the final minute, but Blewitt's 53-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Dexter Lawrence. In the second half, Clemson extended their lead to eight with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to Deon Cain. Pittsburgh once again cut the lead to one with a Nathan Peterman touchdown pass, his fifth of the game, a career high. Near the end of the third quarter, Clemson running back Wayne Gallman scored another touchdown from one yard out. In the fourth quarter, with Clemson driving again, Watson threw an interception in the Pittsburgh endzone, which was returned 70 yards to the Clemson 30 by Saleem Brightwell. Three plays later, Pittsburgh pulled within two points with 5:17 remaining with a 20-yard run by James Conner (their two point conversion attempt failed). Watson and the Clemson offense drove to the Pittsburgh 35 yard line, but Wayne Gallman was stuffed on 4th and 1 to turn the ball over with 58 seconds to go. Peterman led the Pittsburgh offense down the field, and Chris Blewitt kicked the go-ahead 48-yard field goal with six seconds remaining. Deshaun Watson finished with a career-high 580 passing yards in the game. At Wake Forest 2016 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team Clemson Tigers ;text-align:center; autocollapse yes No. 5 Clemson Tigers at Wake Forest Demon Deacons− Game summary November 19, 2016 7:05 p.m. No. 5 Clemson 21 7 0 7 Wake Forest 0 10 3 0 BB&T Field • Winston-Salem, NC 31,512 Temperature: 44° • Wind: NW 16 mph • Weather: Clear Jeff Flanagan ESPN Bob Wischusen, Brock Huard, Allison Williams Sources:http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewContent.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1941263 Clemson vs. Wake Forest stats clemsontigers.com June 9, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20161121115842/http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewContent.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1941263 November 21, 2016 deadhttp://www.thestate.com/sports/college/acc/clemson-university/article115378393.html Gameday Guide: Clemson vs. Wake Forest TV details and more The State June 9, 2017 First quarter (11:24) CLEM TD - Wayne Gallman 42 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). (06:22) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 3 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). (01:10) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 15 yard pass to Mike Williams (Greg Hugel PAT). Second quarter (12:44) CLEM TD - Deshaun Watson 2 yard run (Greg Hugel PAT). (10:04) WAKE FG - Mike Weaver: 42 yards (03:31) WAKE TD - Cade Carney 1 yard run (Mike Weaver PAT). Third quarter (05:03) WAKE FG - Mike Weaver: 23 yards Fourth quarter (11:30) CLEM TD - Wayne Gallman 1 yard run (Greg Huegel PAT). Top passers CLEM - Deshaun Watson 23-33, 202 yards, 1 TD WAKE - Kyle Kearns 7-18, 126 yards Top rushers CLEM - Wayne Gallman 22 carries, 162 yards, 2 TD WAKE - Cade Carney 18 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD Top Receiving CLEM - Mike Williams 6 receptions, 58 yards, 1 TD WAKE - Chuck Wade 2 receptions, 55 yards Following the loss to Pittsburgh, Clemson traveled to Winston-Salem, North Carolina to face Wake Forest with a chance to clinch the ACC Atlantic Division title. Clemson did just that with a 35–13 victory.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869491 No. 4 Clemson beats Wake 35-13, wraps up division title November 19, 2016 ESPN.com Associated Press Clemson scored on each of their first four possessions to take a commanding 28–0 lead. The first score came with a 42-yard touchdown run by Wayne Gallman. Deshaun Watson then ran one in himself from three yards, followed by a 15-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams, and another rushing touchdown early in the second quarter. On Wake Forest's next possession, they were forced to punt, but Clemson's Ray-Ray McCloud fumbled the punt on Clemson's 27 yard line. Wake Forest settled for a 42-yard field goal four plays later. The Demon Deacons were able to drive down the field on their next possession and score a one-yard touchdown run to make the score 28–10 at halftime. Wake Forest was first to score in the second half with a 23-yard field goal. Wayne Gallman punched in a one-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter to secure the 35–13 lead for Clemson that held until the end of the game. South Carolina 2016 South Carolina Gamecocks football team Clemson–South Carolina rivalry Clemson Tigers white; text-align:center; autocollapse yes South Carolina Gamecocks at No. 4 Clemson Tigers (114th Palmetto Bowl) November 26, 2016 7:30 p.m. ET Gamecocks 0 0 7 0 No. 4 Tigers 21 14 14 7 Memorial Stadium • Clemson, SC 81,542 Temperature: 55° • Wind: E 2 mph • Weather: Clear Skies Marc Curles ESPN Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (color), Tom Luginbill (sideline) Sourcehttps://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=400869074 ESPN Box Score: South Carolina at Clemsonhttp://www.clemsontigers.com/pdf9/5111310.pdf?ATCLID=211315069&SPSID=657769&SPID=103701&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500 https://web.archive.org/web/20161129083127/http://www.clemsontigers.com/pdf9/5111310.pdf?ATCLID=211315069&SPSID=657769&SPID=103701&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500 November 29, 2016 ClemsonTigers.com Box Score: South Carolina at Clemson First quarter (11:08) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 34-yard pass to Mike Williams (Greg Huegel PAT). (5:52) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 19-yard pass to Mike Williams (Greg Huegel PAT). (2:05) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 11-yard pass to Jordan Leggett (Greg Huegel PAT). Second quarter (3:06) CLEM TD: Wayne Gallman 8-yard rush (Greg Huegel PAT). (0:08) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 16-yard pass to Mike Williams (Greg Huegel PAT). Third quarter (12:44) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 18-yard pass to C.J. Fuller(Greg Huegel PAT). (11:24) USC TD: Deebo Samuel 33-yard pass to Bryan Edwards(Elliot Fry PAT). (04:38) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 3-yard pass to Artavis Scott (Greg Huegel PAT). Fourth quarter (03:07) CLEM TD: Kelly Bryant 1-yard run (Greg Huegel PAT). Top passers SC – Jake Bentley 7-17, 41 yards, 1 INT CLEM – Deshaun Watson 26-32, 347 yards, 6 TD, 1 INT Top rushers SC – Rod Talley 6 carries, 50 yards CLEM – Wayne Gallman 19 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD Top Receiving SC – Bryan Edwards 1 rec, 33 yards, 1 TD CLEM – Mike Williams 6 rec, 100 yards, 3 TD Clemson held their regular season finale at home against in-state rival South Carolina. Clemson won in a blowout, 56–7, the school's third straight win against South Carolina and their largest margin of victory in the series since winning 51–0 in 1900.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869074 Watson throws 6 TD passes, leads No. 4 Clemson to 56-7 win November 26, 2016 ESPN.com Associated Press Clemson's first drive of the game ended with a blocked 39-yard field goal attempt, but on the next play they intercepted a pass from South Carolina's Jake Bentley, and scored a touchdown three plays later via a 34-yard touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to Mike Williams. Watson and Williams connected again for a 19-yard touchdown on the next drive, and on the drive after that Watson threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Leggett to take a 21–0 lead in the first quarter. Clemson added two more touchdowns in the final 3:06 of the first half with an eight-yard run by Wayne Gallman and another Watson-Williams pass from 16 yards out. The score was 35–0 at halftime. In the second half, Clemson scored on their first possession with a pass from Watson to C. J. Fuller. South Carolina broke up the shutout on the next drive with a 33-yard pass from wide receiver Deebo Samuel to Bryan Edwards. Clemson responded with yet another touchdown, with Deshaun Watson throwing his fifth touchdown pass of the game (a career high) to Artavis Scott. Kelly Bryant added a rushing touchdown before the end of the game to bring the final score to 56–7. Vs. Virginia Tech—ACC Championship Game 2016 Virginia Tech Hokies football team 2016 ACC Championship Game Clemson Tigers white; text-align:center; autocollapse yes No. 3 Clemson Tigers vs No. 19 Virginia Tech Hokies(2016 ACC Championship game) December 3, 2016 8:14 p.m. ET No. 3 Tigers 14 7 14 7 No. 19 Hokies 7 7 7 14 Camping World Stadium • Orlando, FL 50,628 Temperature: 66° • Wind: ENE 6 mph • Weather: Fair Jeff Flanagan ABC Chris Fowler (Play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (Analyst), Samantha Ponder (Sideline Reporter) Sourcehttp://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewContent.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28500&CONTENT_ID=1955767September 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes ClemsonTigers.com Box Score: Clemson vs. Virginia Tech First quarter (11:47) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 3 yard run (Greg Huegel PAT). (05:57) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 21 yard pass to Jordan Leggett (Greg Huegel PAT) (00:51) VT TD: Travon McMillian 1 yard run (Joey Slye PAT). Second quarter (11:46) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 10 yard pass to Jordan Leggett (Greg Huegel PAT) (04:09) VT TD: Jerod Evans 11 yard run (Joey Slye PAT) Third quarter (09:17) CLEM TD: Wayne Gallman 8 yard run (Greg Huegel PAT). (04:45) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 2 yard run (Greg Huegel PAT). (02:27) VT TD: Travon McMillian 27 yard run (Joey Slye PAT). Fourth quarter (11:35) VT TD: Jerod Evans 5 yard run (Joey Slye PAT). (07:33) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 15 yard pass to Hunter Renfrow (Greg Huegel PAT). (05:43) VT TD: Jerod Evans 26 yard pass to Cam Philips (Joey Slye PAT) Top passers CLEM – Deshaun Watson 23-34, 288 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT VT - Jerod Evans 21-35, 264 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT Top rushers CLEM – Deshaun Watson 17 carries, 85 yards, 2 TD VT - Jerod Evans 21 carries, 46 yards, 2 TD Top Receiving CLEM – Mike Williams 5 receptions, 57 yards VT - Cam Philips 12 receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD Clemson and Louisville both finished with ACC records of 7–1, but since Clemson won the head-to-head match-up, the Tigers won the tiebreaker to represent the Atlantic Division in the 2016 ACC Championship Game in Orlando, Florida. Clemson defeated Coastal Division champion Virginia Tech, 42–35, to win the Atlantic Coast Conference for the second straight year.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400926944 Watson accounts for 5 TDs, Clemson beats Virginia Tech 42-35 December 4, 2016 ESPN.com Associated Press Clemson received the opening kickoff and scored on their opening drive via a three-yard touchdown run by Deshaun Watson. They expanded their lead to 14 on the next drive with a 21-yard pass from Watson to Jordan Leggett. Near the end of the first quarter, Virginia Tech got on the board with a one-yard touchdown run by Travon McMillian. Clemson responded with another touchdown pass from Watson to Leggett from 10 yards out. Virginia Tech scored another touchdown with 4:09 left in the half with an 11-yard touchdown run by Jerod Evans to make the score 21–14 Clemson. This proved to be the final score of the half. After two Virginia Tech punts and a Deshaun Watson interception to start the second half, Clemson scored on an 89-yard drive that ended with a Wayne Gallman eight-yard run. Later in the quarter, Watson, scored on a two-yard run to make the score 35–14. Virginia Tech scored 14 unanswered points with touchdown runs by Travon McMillian and Jerod Evans to pull within a touchdown of Clemson. Deshaun Watson again extended the lead with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow. Virginia Tech scored again on their next possession with a 26-yard pass from Jerod Evans to Cam Phillips with 5:43 remaining. Down by seven points, Virginia Tech drove to the Clemson 23 yard line in the final two minutes, but a Jerod Evans pass was intercepted by Cordrea Tankersley. Clemson wound down the clock to end the game. College Football Playoff Vs. Ohio State—Fiesta Bowl (CFP semifinal) 2016 Ohio State Buckeyes football team 2016 Fiesta Bowl (December) Clemson Tigers white; text-align:center; autocollapse yes No. 2 Clemson Tigers vs No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes (2016 CFP semifinal) December 31, 2016 5:10 p.m. ET No. 3 Buckeyes 0 0 0 0 No. 2 Tigers 10 7 7 7 University of Phoenix Stadium • Glendale, AZ 70,236 Indoors Land Clark ESPN/ESPN Radio/ESPN Deportes Radio Chris Fowler (Play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (Analyst), Samantha Ponder, & Tom Rinaldi (Sideline reporters)/Bill Rosinski (Play-by-play), David Norrie (Color), & Ian Fitzsimmons (Sideline)/Kenneth Garay (Play-by-play) & Sebastian Martinez-Christensen (Color) First quarter (09:16) CLEM FG: Greg Huegel: 45 yards. (02:16) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 1 yard run (Greg Huegel PAT). Second quarter (02:21) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 30 yard pass to C.J. Fuller (Greg Huegel PAT) Third quarter (02:06) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 7 yard run (Greg Huegel PAT). Fourth quarter (08:51) CLEM TD: Wayne Gallman 7 yard run (Greg Huegel PAT). Top passers CLEM – Deshaun Watson 23-36, 259 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT OSU - J. T. Barrett 19-22, 127 yards, 2 INT Top rushers CLEM – Wayne Gallman 18 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD OSU - Curtis Samuel 6 carries, 67 yards Top Receiving CLEM – Mike Williams 6 receptions, 96 yards OSU - Curtis Samuel 9 receptions, 43 yards In the final College Football Playoff rankings of the year, Clemson (12–1) was ranked second, earning them their second consecutive playoff bid and a spot in the semifinal game to be played at the Fiesta Bowl. Their opponent was Ohio State (11–1), who was somewhat controversially ranked third after failing to reach the Big Ten Championship Game by finishing in second in the East Division to Penn State. Ohio State was considered a three-point favorite in the game by Las Vegas sportsbooks.https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2016/12/30/14111962/fiesta-bowl-odds-ohio-state-clemson-betting-preview 2016 Fiesta Bowl odds: Ohio State small favorite vs. Clemson in Playoff December 30, 2016 SB Nation Clemson shutout the Buckeyes by a score of 31–0 in the Fiesta Bowl to advance to the CFP Championship Game. It was the second shutout in the history of the CFP.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400876108 Clemson blanks Ohio State to set up rematch with Alabama December 31, 2016 ESPN.com Associated Press Clemson's first drive ended abruptly with a Deshaun Watson interception on their second play at their own 33 yard line. Ohio State failed to capitalize, missing a 47-yard field goal four plays later. Clemson's next drive ended with a 45-yard field goal by Greg Heugel. Ohio State missed another 47-yard field goal on their next possession. Clemson scored their first touchdown on the following drive with a one-yard run by Deshaun Watson. They extended their lead with 2:21 left in the first half with a 30-yard pass from Watson to C. J. Fuller. The score was 17–0 at halftime. The third quarter featured little offensive success for either team until Deshaun Watson scored a seven-yard touchdown run late in the quarter. Ohio State's J. T. Barrett threw two interceptions on their following two drives, and Clemson scored again with a seven-yard run by Wayne Gallman to make the score 31–0 with 8:51 left to play. This proved to be the final score of the game. Deshaun Watson was named offensive MVP, and defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell was named defensive MVP.Fiesta_Bowl 815404737633742849 December 31, 2016 The Offensive MVP of the @PlayStation #FiestaBowl - QB DeShaun Watson! #ALLIN #CFFiesta_Bowl 815406954721910785 December 31, 2016 ...and the Defensive MVP of the @PlayStation #FiestaBowl, Clelin Ferrell! #ALLIN #CFBPlayoff Vs. Alabama—2017 CFP National Championship 2016 Alabama Crimson Tide football team 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Clemson Tigers white; text-align:center; autocollapse yes No. 2 Clemson Tigers vs No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (2017 CFP Championship game) January 9, 2017 8:19 p.m. ET No. 2 Tigers 0 7 7 21 No. 1 Crimson Tide 7 7 10 7 Raymond James Stadium • Tampa, FL 74,512 Temperature: 56° • Wind: Calm • Weather: Fair Mike Defee (Big 12) ESPN/ESPN Radio Chris Fowler (Play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (Analyst), Samantha Ponder, & Tom Rinaldi (Sideline Reporters)/Sean McDonough (Play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (Analyst), Holly Rowe, & Ian Fitzsimmons (Sideline Reporters) SourceAinsworth Jared Mauriceville resident officiating Big 12 football Beaumont Enterprise 2012-10-25 https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/sports/hs/article/mauriceville-resident-officiating-big-12-football-3981502.php 2025-05-04 First quarter (09:23) ALA TD: Bo Scarbrough 25 yard run (Adam Griffith PAT). Second quarter (10:42) ALA TD: Bo Scarbrough 37 yard run (Adam Griffith PAT). (06:09) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 8 yard run (Greg Huegel PAT). Third quarter (12:25) ALA FG: Adam Griffith: 27 yards (07:10) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 24 yard pass to Hunter Renfrow (Greg Huegel PAT). (01:53) ALA TD: Jalen Hurts 68 yard pass to O. J. Howard (Adam Griffith PAT) Fourth quarter (14:00) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 4 yard pass to Mike Williams (Greg Huegel PAT) (04:38) CLEM TD: Wayne Gallman 1 yard run (Greg Huegel PAT) (02:07) ALA TD: Jalen Hurts 30 yard run (Adam Griffith PAT). (00:01) CLEM TD: Deshaun Watson 2 yard pass to Hunter Renfrow (Greg Huegel PAT) Top passers CLEM – Deshaun Watson 36-56, 420 yards, 3 TD ALA - Jalen Hurts 13-31, 131 yards, 1 TD Top rushers CLEM – Wayne Gallman 18 carries, 46 yards, 1 TD ALA - Bo Scarbrough 16 carries, 93 yards, 2 TD Top Receiving CLEM – Hunter Renfrow 10 receptions, 92 yards, 2 TD ALA - O. J. Howard 4 receptions, 106 yards, 1 TD By winning the Fiesta Bowl, Clemson advanced to the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship to face the winner of the Peach Bowl, top-seeded Alabama (14–0). Clemson had lost to Alabama in the previous year's national championship, and this marked the first time since the inception of college football national title games in the 1990s of a rematch played between two schools. Alabama was considered a 6.5-point favorite to repeat as champions.https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexkay/2017/01/09/2017-national-championship-alabama-vs-clemson-odds-against-the-spread-and-picks-from-a-pro/#50d72d127d69 2017 National Championship: Alabama Vs Clemson Odds Against The Spread And Picks From A Pro Alex Kay Forbes January 9, 2017 Clemson won in dramatic fashion, 35–31, to secure their first national title since 1981.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400876570 Deshaun Watson TD pass with 1 second left lifts Clemson to national title January 10, 2017 ESPN.com Associated Press Alabama was the first to score, with a 25-yard touchdown by Bo Scarbrough. They extended their lead to 14 with a 37-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter, again by Scarbrough. Three drives later, Clemson got on the board with an eight-yard touchdown run by Deshaun Watson with 6:09 left in the half. Both teams failed to score for the rest of the half, and the score was 14–7 Alabama at halftime. Clemson received the second half kickoff, but four plays into the drive Wayne Gallman fumbled the ball at their own 28 yard line, and it was returned by Alabama's Ryan Anderson to the 16 yard line. Alabama failed to move the ball and settled for a 27-yard field goal. The two teams traded punts on their next possessions, before Deshaun Watson connected with Hunter Renfrow for a 24-yard touchdown pass to pull within three points. The two teams again traded punts, before Alabama's Jalen Hurts threw a 68-yard touchdown pass to tight end O. J. Howard to make the score 24–14 at the end of the third quarter. Clemson responded with a 72-yard drive that ended with a four-yard touchdown pass from Watson to Mike Williams to again pull within three. The defenses forced punts on the following five drives. With 4:38 left in the game, Clemson's Wayne Gallman scored a one-yard touchdown to take the lead. Alabama's Jalen Hurts led the Crimson Tide down the field on the following drive, and with 2:07 remaining scored a 30-yard touchdown run. Down by four, Deshaun Watson marched the Tigers offense down the field in the final two minutes. Watson connected with Jordan Leggett for a 17-yard pass to the Alabama nine yard line with 19 seconds remaining. On second down, Alabama was charged with pass interference, bringing the ball to the two yard line with 9 seconds remaining. On the next play, Deshaun Watson rolled to his right and found a wide-open Hunter Renfrow in the endzone for the go-ahead touchdown with just one second showing on the clock. Clemson was able to recover the ensuing onside kick and kneeled on the final play to win the game. Deshaun Watson was named offensive MVP, and linebacker Ben Boulware was named defensive MVP. 2017 NFL draft 2017 NFL draft The Tigers had six players drafted in the 2017 NFL draft. Mike Williams was the first Tiger off the board, being selected at 7th overall. Player Team Round Pick # Position Mike Williams Los Angeles Chargers 1st 7th WR Deshaun Watson Houston Texans 1st 12th QB Cordrea Tankersley Miami Dolphins 3rd 97th CB Wayne Gallman New York Giants 4th 140th RB Carlos Watkins Houston Texans 4th 142nd DT Jordan Leggett New York Jets 4th 150th TE Undrafted signees Along with the six draft picks, Clemson had one more player make the NFL as an undrafted free agent. Player Team Position Artavis Scott Los Angeles Chargers WR Awards and honors Individual awards ACC Co-defensive Player of the Year - Ben Boulwarehttp://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28500&ATCLID=211346720 Boulware Named ACC Co-defensive Player of the Year January 11, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170116150120/http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28500&ATCLID=211346720 January 16, 2017 dead ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year - Dexter Lawrencehttp://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=657769&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500&ATCLID=211329114 Lawrence Named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year January 11, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20161201012737/http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=657769&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500&ATCLID=211329114 December 1, 2016 dead Paul "Bear" Bryant Award - Dabo Swinney FBS Assistant of the Year - Dan Brooks http://www.tigernet.com/update/coach/Dan-Brooks-named-FBS-Assistant-Year-25161?ref=fb Dan Brooks named FBS Assistant of the Year - TigerNet.com November 30, 2016 January 11, 2017 Broyles Award - Brent Venables https://twitter.com/McMurphyESPN/status/806215961418354688 Brett McMurphy on Twitter January 11, 2017 Johnny Unitas Award - Deshaun Watson Davey O'Brien Award - Deshaun Watson Bobby Bowden Award - Deshaun Watson Manning Award - Deshaun Watson Jack Lambert Trophy - Ben Boulware Heisman Trophy finalist - Deshaun Watson (2nd) All-Americans CB Cordrea Tankersley: 1st Team - USA Today; 2nd Team - Fox Sports; 3rd Team - AP, Athlon QB Deshaun Watson: 1st Team - Scout.com; 2nd Team - AP, AFCA, Athlon, Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, Walter Camp DT Carlos Watkins: 1st Team - CBS Sports; 2nd Team - AP, Athlon DE Christian Wilkins: 1st Team - AFCA, FWAA; 2nd Team - Fox Sports, Sporting News, USA Today, Walter Camp; 3rd Team - AP, Athlon LB Ben Boulware: 2nd Team - AFCA, FWAA, USA Today, Walter Camp; 3rd Team - AP, Athlon TE Jordan Leggett: 2nd Team - CBS Sports; 3rd Team - Athlon WR Mike Williams: 2nd Team - Walter Camp; 3rd Team - Athlon DT Dexter Lawrence: Freshman - FWAA, ESPN, Scout.com, USA Today All-ACC Teams 1st Team: LB Ben Boulware, OG Tyrone Crowder, C Jay Guillermo, OT Mitch Hyatt, S Jadar Johnson, TE Jordan Leggett, CB Cordrea Tankersley, WR Mike Williams 2nd Team: RB Wayne Gallman, PK Greg Huegel, DT Dexter Lawrence, QB Deshaun Watson, DE Christian Wilkins 3rd Team: WR Artavis Scott Honorable Mention: LB Kendall Joseph, SP Ray-Ray McCloud, S Van Smith References Clemson Category:Clemson Tigers football seasons Clemson Category:College Football Playoff National Champions Category:Atlantic Coast Conference football champion seasons Category:Fiesta Bowl champion seasons Clemson Tigers football