Clemson Dominates Undermanned UConn: Rapid Reactions

The Tigers returned home for their annual Military Appreciation Day game after yet another close game that required a goal line stand against Louisville.

Clemson took down UConn 44-7 in a game that fans had to be happy about since they didn’t need a last second score or a goal line stand. They will now get ready for another noon game when they take on Wake Forest in Atlantic division showdown at Memorial stadium next Saturday.

• The special teams got off to a horrid start allowing the Huskies to score a 98 yard touchdown on the opening kickoff. Then gave up another long one late. Outside of that great special teams play.
• The Clemson offense started the game ultra conservative causing them to have to convert three fourth down conversions on the opening drive and finally having to settle for a 49 yard field goal. The longest of B.T. Potter’s career and one of two from that distance in the first half. Something that was really bothersome against a team like this.

• Clemson began the game going one for five on third down but were bailed out by being perfect on fourth down. This included a fake field goal where holder Will Swinney ran it in from six yards out. This was a little concerning against a very undermanned UConn team.

• It was nice to see the defense dominate after getting manhandled for most of the game last week. This included a fourth and two stop after they took over on the Tigers side of the 50 when D J Uiagalelei’s threw his seventh interception of the season. They held the Huskies to 0 for 14 on third down and 0 for four on fourth down conversions.

• Hated seeing the injury bug rear it’s ugly head again when receiver Justyn Ross went down after a catch and run in the first quarter with what looked like a leg injury and did not return, then quarterback Taisun Phommachanh went down later with an arm injury, and linebacker James Skalski left in the second half with what appeared to be a leg injury.

• After a promising start to the game Uiagalelei’s up and down play returned. He began the game 9 for 15, then missed his next eight, but then ended the half on a tear while leading the Tigers down the field for a touchdown. He, again, was not helped out by his receivers who dropped passes that they should make easily. He was also limping before the game even started.

• It was also great seeing Jake Briningstool get his first touchdown of his Clemson career. It is easy to see why the coaches are so high on this young man’s potential.