Joshua S. Kelly- USA TODAY Sports
Clemson hosting Wake Forest was a mismatch from the start.
Although the Demon Deacons were only allowing an average of 15 points per game through their first four contests they had not faced an offense like Clemson’s and a quarterback like Tajh Boyd. It was evident from the start that Wake Forest’s defense would be on their heels all day and before most folks even got to their seats it was already 21-0.
The key to Clemson’s quick start was big plays.
On the third play of the game Boyd found a streaking Sammy Watkins down the right sideline for a 64 yard score with Watkins’ speed the key factor as he separated himself after the catch. After a Wake Forest three-and-out Clemson scored again with a three minute drive culminating in a ten yard touchdown run by Zac Brooks. The very next time Clemson touched the ball they scored again, within three plays this time, as DJ Howard took a swing pass and raced 75 yards almost untouched into the endzone.
Within the first eight minutes Boyd already had 180 yards through the air with two touchdowns and the offense had two scoring plays of at least 60 yards. The quick start for Clemson is nothing new and the big plays have become a staple of their up-tempo offense.
In their first four games Clemson has seven scoring plays of 20 yards or more including plays of 64, 75 and 77 yards. They have speed all over the field and that is one of the key factors in their ability to consistently rattle off big plays week in and week out. Furthermore, their offense is so hard to defend against and one misread or misstep usually results in a big play.
Clemson looks like a legitimate national title contender and with their big play offense it’s hard not to see them in the conversation at year’s end.
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