RALEIGH, N.C. –
Press Release Courtesy Clemson Athletics
Notified just before kick of the opportunity to clinch the Atlantic Division, No. 4/3 Clemson (10-0, 7-0 ACC) secured its spot in the ACC Championship Game with a 55-10 win at NC State (4-5, 1-4) on Saturday night. Clemson raced out to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter behind two defensive takeaways and stretched the lead to 42-0 at half in cruising to an eighth-straight win over NC State.
The Tigers will represent the division in the ACC Championship Game, scheduled for Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Charlotte, for a fifth-straight season. It is the seventh time Clemson will represent the Atlantic Division, which sets an ACC record. The Tigers increased the nation’s longest active win streak to 25.
Travis Etienne added three total touchdowns to bring his career total to 54, breaking C.J. Spiller’s record for career touchdowns (51). Etienne finished the game with 112 rushing yards on 14 attempts, and hauled in three receptions for 31 yards. With 50 career rushing touchdowns, Etienne is now tied with Louisville’s Lamar Jackson for second-most career rushing touchdowns in conference history.
Trevor Lawrence completed 20-of-27 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns, becoming the first Clemson quarterback to pass for three touchdowns in five consecutive games. The sophomore also rushed for a career-high 59 yards on eight attempts and found the end zone once on the ground to bring his season total touchdown responsibility to 30 (23 passing, 7 rushing). Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins each recorded 33-yard touchdown receptions. Offensive lineman John Simpson scored his first career touchdown in the first quarter, scoring on a one-yard handoff.
The Clemson defense forced four N.C. State turnovers. Xavier Thomas, Chad Smith and Tyler Davis all recorded fumble recoveries. The defense allowed 290 total yards and held the Wolfpack to 124 rushing yards.
Clemson will be back at Memorial Stadium next weekend Nov. 16 to take on Wake Forest at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.
