On This Date: 1981 Clemson- 13 Tulane- 5

Sep 12, 2023, 3:37 PM

09/12/1981
New Orleans, LA (Superdome)

Clemson Tops Tulane, 13-5

By:LLOYD SCHWED

NEW ORLEANS -- Clemson's Bob Pauling drilled field goals of 31 and 37 yards in the fourth quarter Saturday and running sensation Cliff Austin bulled his way for a 7-yard touchdown to lead the Tigers to a 13-5 victory over a fumbling Tulane Green Wave.

The Green Wave turned over the ball a total of seven times in the game, which set up all of the Tigers' scoring opportunities.

Clemson provided Tulane with a golden opportunity midway through the third quarter when Chuck McSwain fumbled and the Green Wave recovered on the Tigers' 27.

Six plays later, however, sophomore quarterback Wade Elmore fired the ball into the end zone and safety Terry Kinard grabbed the interception.

Clemson quarterback Homer Jordon mixed the run with the pass to mount a smoothe, 54-yard drive to Tulane's 14, but the Green Wave held firm and Clemson was forced to settle for a 31-yard field goal from Pauling.

Two plays later, second string quarterback Paul Catanese threw an interception into the hands of safety Tim Childers, which Clemson converted into a 13-5 advantage on a 37-yard field goal by Pauling.

The first 10 minutes of the game were deadlocked with strong defensive domination, but quickly turned into a slip-shod free-for-all marred by five fumbles and two interceptions before the half.

Clemson benefitted most from the turnovers, however, picking off two interceptions and recovering two fumbles.

Tulane's Vince Manalla put the first points on the board with a 46-yard field goal that gave the Green Wave a 3-0 lead.

On the ensuing drive, Clemson couldn't move the ball and was forced to punt, but a bad snap skidded into the end zone and punter Dale Hatcher fell on top of the ball for a safety and a 5-0 Tulane lead.

Turnovers ended several scoring drives for both teams until Tulane half back Marvin Lewis fumbled on his own 25 midway into the second quarter.

Five plays later, Austin bulled his way for 5 yards and a 7-5 advantage, which held up until halftime. The Clemson speedster racked up a total of 60 hard-fought yards on 17 carries.