Instant Analysis: Clemson 52, S.C. State 13

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Sat Sep 07 15:52:12 GMT-04:00 2013

CLEMSON- The fourth ranked Clemson Tigers (2-0) defeated FCS and in-state foe S.C. (0-2) State 52-13 in blowout fashion Saturday afternoon in Death Valley.

The Tigers used a solid performance from backup quarterback Cole StoudtCole Stoudt
Jr. Quarterback
#18 6-4, 205
Dublin, OH
View Full Profile and the backup offensive line to take care of the Bulldogs.

It was over when: The Clemson offense was sluggish the start the game, but the defense picked up the slack. Cornerbacks Martin JenkinsMartin Jenkins
RS Jr. Cornerback
#14 5-10, 180
Roswell, GA
View Full Profile and Darius RobinsonDarius Robinson
Cornerback
#8 5-10, 175
College Park, GA
View Full Profile both had interceptions returned for touchdowns in the first half. The Clemson defense also forced a fumble, putting the Tigers up 38-7 at intermission.

Game ball goes to: Stoudt has practiced every day as if he was the start at Clemson University, and Saturday proved why he is the number two man on the depth chart behind starter Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Sr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile . Stoudt finished the game 19-for-20 for 143 yards and three touchdowns.

Stat of the game: South Carolina State ran the ball 58 times a week ago against Coastal Carolina, so Clemson knew that the Bulldogs would come out and try to establish the run Saturday afternoon. However, the Clemson defense wasn’t going to allow the Bulldog ball carriers to run freely. South Carolina State ran the ball 43 times for a total of 83 yards.

What it means for Clemson: After an emotional win over Georgia a week ago, the Tigers took care of business in a laid-back, Saturday afternoon atmosphere in Death Valley. The Tigers will go into their first of two off weeks 2-0 and will have plenty of time to prepare for a Thursday night battle with N.C. State in Raleigh on September 19th.

What it means for S.C. State: The Bulldogs have begun the season 0-2 after facing Coastal Carolina and Clemson. However, the schedule eases up from here on out with next week’s game against Alabama A&M.