Charlotte, NC – Clemson Tigers defeat Virginia Cavaliers 62 -17 at Bank of American stadium. There was an attendance of 66,810 at this ACC Championship game.
Clemson came into this game unbeaten at 12-0 and ranked number three in the nation. However, their playoff journey was on the line in this match up. They had much to prove to critics because they had not faced a ranked opponent during the regular season. Coach Dabo Swinney stated in his opening statement, “The leadership of this team and the will to win is special” as he expressed how pleased he was with his team. The Clemson Tigers hit on all cylinders on both sides of the ball in their victory today.
Virginia’s offense came out storming with a Bryce Perkins with a 12-yard scramble then a 46-yard pass to Hasise Dubois, which put them into Clemson territory. The Cavaliers drive ended with a Clemson interception in the end zone. Tiger’s offense takes advantage of the turnover with a stellar five-play drive that never faced a second down resulted in a 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence to wide receiver Tee Higgins. Clemson goes up 7-0 within the first 3minutes of the quarter. Not to be outdone Virginia’s offense battles through Clemson’s defensive rush in 12 plays, Bryce Perkins then finds Hasise Dubois for a 20-yard touchdown pass. With 6 minutes left in the first quarter, the score was tied 7-7. The Tigers offense immediately answers as quarterback Lawrence connects with wide receiver Justyn Ross for a 59-yard touchdown pass, which is recorded as the second-longest scoring pass in ACC championship history. The score Clemson 14 and Virginia 7 at the end of the first quarter.
The Cavaliers defense appeared to pick up steam at the beginning of the second quarter applying pressure to Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and sacking him for the second time in the game. The Tigers offense was held to a 47-yard field goal, which improved their lead 17-7. The Clemson offense refused to be held down, with a mix of running and passing down the field Travis Etienne caps off the drive with a 26-yard touchdown rush, recording his fourth career touch down in ACC championship play. The Tigers made the score 24-7. Virginia’s offense could not find an answer, the Tigers defense applied pressure to Perkins and the secondary denied passing attempts. Clemsons offense would fulfill their thirst for another school before the end of the half with seven-yard touchdown pass from Lawrence to Higgins. The score at half time was Clemson 31 and Virginia 7. The Tigers set a new record of the most points in the first half of an ACC Championship game.
Clemson received the ball at the beginning of the third quarter. Their offensive drive would result in a four and out. Virginia’s offense would move the ball downfield as they found some success with their passing attack. Four and a half minutes into the second half the Cavaliers found themselves in Clemson territory knocking on the door. The 10 play drive resulted in an eight-yard touchdown pass from Perkins to Terrell Jana, closing the scoring gap 31-14. The Clemson offense awakened and responded with an air attack. Lawrence connects with Higgins on a 54-yard pass, which sets them up to connect again for an 11-yard touchdown to cap off the five-play drive. With this touchdown pass Higgins sets an ACC championship record of most caught touchdowns and Lawrence set the ACC championship record for the most touchdown passes in a ACC Championship game. The Cavaliers offense struggled in the following drive and attempted a fake punt pass that was stopped short of the first down marker which resulted in a turnover on downs. Clemson offense would takeover on Virginia’s 49-yard line. The Tigers would capitalize on the excellent field position with Running Back Lyn-J Dixon running 23 yards for the touchdown. Making the score Clemson 45 Virginia 14.
Virginia held possession of the ball at the beginning of the fourth quarter, they would drive the ball into Clemson territory, the drive would result in a 35-yard field by Brian Delaney, the score at 13:11 in the fourth quarter Cavaliers 17 Tigers 45. The Clemson offense would come with a new quarterback, as Chase Brice replaces Trevor Lawrence. The Tigers offense did not miss a beat, Chase Brice connects with Frank Ladson for a 57 yard pass that puts them at the Cavaliers seven-yard line. The drive ends with a 24 yard field goal by B.T Potter. Virginia attempts to move the ball, and they are halted by an interception. The Tigers offenses turn this turnover into a score with a four yard rush by Chase Brice extending the lead, 55 -17. The Tigers would score again with 1:26 left in the fourth quarter by way of a 4 yard rush by Chez Mellusi. Clemson sets the record for the most points in an ACC Championship game. The will end the game with 619 yards of total offense and Virginia with 387 total yards.
Clemson will remain undefeated and improve to 13-0. They will move on to the College football playoffs where their opponent is to be announced.
Written by: Marcus Jones
