After a slower-than-expected offensive start, No. 3 Clemson finds itself with just a 13-7 halftime lead over NC State in Thursday night’s game. Clemson managed just two field goals until adding a touchdown with slightly more than two minutes remaining in the first half.
Clemson on second-half upset watch at NC State
Clemson entered the ACC opener averaging 45 points per game, but pressure from NC State’s defense limited the possibility of big plays and relegated the Tigers’ offense to a shorter attack. Boyd enters the break 15-of-26 for 144 yards and the touchdown, but that 5.5 yards per pass is a strikingly low figure.
Tigers kicker Chandler Catanzaro scored the game's first six points, on a 49-yard field goal at the 9:58 mark in the first quarter and then on a 45-yarder at 14:46 in the second. Both drives lasted 14 plays, an indicator of the hard work and lack of results Clemson's offense has struggled through.
The touchdown came with 2:23 left in the half, as Boyd connected with tight end Sam Cooper on this 11-yard pass that featured Cooper heading downfield after beginning the play along the offensive line:
Clemson’s offense has managed 220 yards to NC State’s 179, and the Wolfpack have also been held back by six penalties at the cost of 44 yards. NC State quarterback Pete Thomas is 8-of-12 for 91 yards, while seven different Wolfpack rushers have totaled 88 yards on 14 attempts.
Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins is already on pace for a huge game, entering the half with eight catches for 87 yards.
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