CHARLOTTE – Clemson came into the ACC championship game ranked as the No. 1 team in college football and gave Miami all it could handle in a 38-3 win.
Clemson struck first after a 4-yard touchdown run by running back Travis Etienne after a 10-play, 68-yard drive that took a little over four minutes. Clemson would score again in the first quarter on an 11-yard touchdown run by quarterback Kelly Bryant.
Clemson (12-1) had a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Tigers lead at the end of the first quarter is the largest in the history of the Dr. Pepper ACC Championship Game.
Miami’s offense struggled early and often during the first half, as they only converted two third downs the entire first half. Miami only put up 64 total yards of offense in the first half, while its defense was very porous throughout the first half as they gave up a uncharacteristic 21 points and 264 total yards to Clemson’s offense.
Clemson was able to shut Miami out in the third quarter. The Tigers defense forced a fumble and recovered it, while also adding an interception in the third frame.
Clemson’s offense scored 17 points in the third quarter, as Alex Spence made a 46-yard field goal and running back Tavien Feaster scored on an 11-yard touchdown run. Bryant rounded out the third with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Deon Cain.
At the end of the third quarter, Clemson had a 38-0 lead over Miami (10-2).
As the game was well in hand, both teams pulled their starters out of the game with about 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter. The lone score in the fourth came on a 22-yard field goal by Michael Badgley with a little over three minutes left in the game.
Miami’s offense finished the game with 215 total yards and turned the ball over a total of three times. Clemson scored 14 points off Miami’s trio of turnovers.
The Hurricanes defense had a hard time stopping the Tigers offense, as they gave up 331 total yards and five touchdowns. The Canes defense was able to rack up 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and 10 tackles for loss.
Miami head coach Mark Richt praised Clemson and seems to be very optimistic about his team and staff during his postgame press conference.
“Congratulations to Clemson,” Richt said. “They thoroughly whipped us. Their coaches did a great job. Players did a great job. Our guys fought, but, you know, obviously it didn’t go well at all. You know, it just shows they’re (Clemson) the class of our league. Right now they’re the measuring stick. We’re going to get there. We’re just not there yet. We weren’t there tonight, for sure.”
Miami will now rest and recuperate from the season grind. The ACC runner-up will wait to see what bowl game bid they’ll get later today, which will most likely be the Orange Bowl.
As for Clemson, the defending national champion will play in the College Football Playoff for the third straight season. The ACC champion will be in either the Sugar Bowl or Rose Bowl.
The College Football Playoff Selection Show will start announcing bowl bids at noon. It will be televised on ESPN.
PHOTO CREDIT: Xavon Christopher
