While the Gamecocks struggled against Mizzou, their in-state rival was setting records against a Tar Heel team that gave up more than 500 yards of total offense for the second week in a row.
Clemson freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson broke Tajh Boyd’s single-game touchdown record and almost every other freshman record you can think of in the Tigers’ 50-35 defeat of North Carolina. He finished the game completing 27 of 36 of his passes for 435 yards and six touchdowns.
Head coach Dabo Swinney had nothing but praise for Watson after the game.
“I’ve been doing this a long time. This is 25 years for me in college football. He’s special,” Swinney said. “He makes the game look easy. He makes it look slow. He just kinda floats around, creates and extends plays. He just has a poise about him that’s unique, especially for a guy that’s a true freshman. … Our future looks very bright with that young man leading the way.”
I’m always hesitant to jump on a band wagon after one awesome game and this case will be no different. There were worries about how Clemson would adjust after the departure of their leader Tajh Boyd, with no clear favorite to take his place, but Tiger faithful can rest a little easier now after this performance.