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Saturday, October 18, 2008
Comeback in Death Valley
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This was an important comeback win for Tech, and redemption for Demaryius Thomas.
The wideout dropped what would have been a 47-yard TD pass early in the fourth quarter, with Tech trailing 17-14. He made up for it later with a huge 3rd-down conversion along the sideline, then the game-winning 24-yard TD catch with just over five minutes left.
Tech’s defense did the rest. Jackets 21, Tigers 17.
Tech’s defense had its way at the start. These were Clemson’s first four possessions:
Three-and-out
Three-and-out
Interception
Interception
Dominique Reese’s 34-yard interception for a touchdown gave Tech a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. It came on a trick play, an end-around pass by WR Tyler Grishman. That was Clemson’s first pass by a non-quarterback in three years; it might be another three before the Tigers try it again.
The next pick came on a major-league pop fly. Derrick Morgan hit Willy Korn’s arm as he threw, and the ball floated to CB Rashaad Reid. But the Jackets stalled and Scott Blair missed a 50-yard field goal.
Clemson got on the board with a 40-yard field goal after Tech failed on a fake punt.
Tech’s offense didn’t get going until late in the first half. Jonathan Dwyer’s 31-yard run off left tackle — on 3rd-and-16 — sparked an 80-yard TD drive.
Josh Nesbitt scored from 5 yards out after a beautiful fake up the middle to Dwyer. Two or three Tigers went to tackle Dwyer. It was 14-3 at the half.
Clemson pulled within 14-10 on Aaron Kelly’s 32-yard TD catch. Jahi Word-Daniels had close coverage but pulled a hamstring, leaving Kelly wide open. Word-Daniels did not return.
Kelly took a screen pass 31 yards for the go-ahead score late in the third quarter.
Then Nesbitt and Thomas hooked up twice, and Tech improved to 6-1, 3-1 in the ACC.
A number of Jackets stepped up.
Blair saved a touchdown by tackling Marcus Gilchrist on a kickoff return at the Tech 39. Morgan Burnett outfought Jacoby Ford for an interception (his 7th career pick) right before halftime. Griffin forced the first interception and had a big third-down sack.
What impressed you the most about this performance?
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