Tigers win battle of last ACC unbeatens
Clemson dominates North Carolina State and leaves little doubt about hopes for a title.
CLEMSON, S.C. — Trevor Lawrence came in wanting to leave little doubt about No. 3 Clemson’s championship goals this season and about his ability to take the Tigers there.
He accomplished both Saturday in a 41-7 rout of No. 16 North Carolina State, helping Clemson dominate the showdown between the Atlantic Coast Conference’s last remaining undefeated teams.
“We just didn’t want to leave any doubt that the game should’ve went a certain way,” Lawrence said. “It was clear how we won the game by a good bit.”
And it was clear Lawrence, the strongarmed, long-haired freshman, has the goods to keep the Tigers out front.
He passed for a careerbest 308 yards including a 46-yard touchdown throw to Tee Higgins in his third college start.
Lawrence directed three first-half drives of 50-plus yards as the Tigers took quick control of an expected tight contest.
Travis Etienne ran for three touchdowns, increasing his ACC-leading total to 14 on the ground this season.
Etienne said Clemson has adjusted well to Lawrence’s leadership since he took over as starting quarterback. “Trevor is out there doing what he does,” Etienne said. “We know what he can do and we’re excited about it.”
The Tigers (7-0, 4-0) opened with seven straight wins for the third time in four seasons in topping the Wolfpack (5-1, 2-1) for the seventh consecutive season.
It was the ACC’s first matchup of undefeated teams this deep in a season since 2013, a game that also took place in Death Valley. But unlike five years ago when the 6-0 Tigers were pummeled by eventual national champion Florida State 51-14, it was Clemson who took control early and never gave the Wolfpack a chance to rally.
North Carolina State quarterback Ryan Finley came in leading the ACC at more than 324 yards passing a game. He managed 156 yards passing with two interceptions and a fumble.
“We just never really got into a rhythm,” Finley said.