I don’t think many people felt Clemson was an elite program this season, but I’d say there were some who felt the Tigers could actually go undefeated.
Well, Georgia Tech took care of any lingering doubts last night in a dominating 31-17 victory in Atlanta.
Instead of playing like a team that was trying to prove to the nation it should be considered a contender for the BCS Championship, Clemson looked more like…well, the Clemson we all grew up watching.
Georgia Tech (7-2, 4-2 ACC) carved up the Tigers and made sure no ACC team will play in the title game.
After opening the game with a three-and-out on defense and Tajh Boyd leading the Tigers on a nice drive that resulted in a field goal, not much else went right the rest of the evening.
Boyd was actually rattled by Tech’s pressure and threw two interceptions. He wasn’t a total failure, though, as he still threw for 295 yards, including 153 of those to super freshman Sammy Watkins.
Clemson’s defense also started strong but once Georgia Tech got on track, the Yellow Jackets ate up huge chunks of clock.
Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is one of the nation’s best and he’s working with a young group, but the Tigers looked shocked that Georgia Tech runs a triple option.
Tech quarterback Tevin Washington hasn’t forgotten how to run it, as he shredded Clemson’s defense for 176 yards on the ground.
Clemson (8-1, 5-1 ACC) still has plenty to play for this season, but Saturday’s loss was bitter for a team that has found ways to win despite the obstacles.
The loss will cost Clemson any shot at playing in the BCS Championship Game, which was a long shot anyway.
Now the Tigers must regroup and remember that winning the ACC is the ultimate goal.
After a bye week, Clemson will be favored in its next two games (Wake Forest and North Carolina State) before taking on rival South Carolina. If Dabo Swinney can navigate the final three games and get Clemson to 11-1, that will be a huge success for a coach who entered the season on the hot seat.
It will also assure Clemson a spot in the ACC Championship Game either against Virginia Tech (who the Tigers beat 23-3) or Georgia Tech.
A lot went wrong for the Tigers in Atlanta, but there’s still plenty to play for if you’re Clemson.
