On a night that saw Clemson (9-1, 7-1 ACC) quarterback Tajh Boyd set a new ACC career passing record, the focus would later shift to the new record holder’s shoulder. On the final play of the third quarter Boyd appeared to injure his shoulder on a run up the middle for a first down. He did not return to the game, but he did come back on to the sideline with his helmet on to take some tosses on the sideline. Fortunately for Clemson, the game was already well in hand. Clemson capped the night with a 55-31 victory over Georgia Tech (6-4, 5-3 ACC), keeping the BCS hopes for the Tigers alive.
Boyd’s injury was to his left shoulder, his non-throwing shoulder. He immediately reached for his collarbone and shoulder area once he hit the ground. After the game Boyd said he had a bruised sternum and collar-bone but no broken bones. With a game against The Citadel next week, Boyd should be in good shape for a light work load if needed and should be ready to face South Carolina in the regular season finale the following week.
Boyd ended his night having completed 20 of 26 pass attempts for 340 yards and four touchdowns, 43 rushing yards and one more touchdown on the ground. His third set a new ACC career passing record with 96 career touchdowns. Cole Stoudt, a junior, came in to finish the game for Clemson’s offense. Martavis Bryant (176 yards, 1 touchdown) and Sammy Watkins (104 yards, 2 touchdowns) were huge factors in the passing game as the Tigers rolled up over 540 yards of offense.
This was the third straight game Clemson scored 40 or more points and third straight double-digit victory in aCC play since the Florida State game. Clemson’s defense had their work cut out for them against the running game of Georgia Tech, but they answered the call. Georgia Tech racked up over 350 yards of offense, slightly more of those yards coming on the ground. Vad Lee had a rough night passing against an aggressive Clemson defense, completing 13 of 23 pass attempts for 165 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. Robert Godhigh led Georgia Tech by rushing for 115 yards and two touchdowns and he added 85 receiving yards, but Georgia Tech’s lack of a consistent threat in the passing game ended up being a pitfall.
The win keeps Clemson in the BCS at-large conversation. The Tigers cannot win the ACC’s automatic BCS berth because Florida State clinched their division for the right to play in the ACC Championship Game, but an at-large berth is certainly a possibility. Clemson’s one loss this year came at the hands of the Seminoles and Clemson is ranked eighth in the latest BCS standings. It would be unlikely Clemson misses out on a BCS at-large spot, especially if Florida State is playing in the BCS Championship Game. A victory over South Carolina in the regular season finale would likely assure Clemson of a BCS bowl invite.
The result of the game carries a much more negative impact for Georgia Tech. In a crowded Coastal Division, Georgia Tech could not afford one more loss. Georgia Tech played their final ACC game and ended with a conference record of 5-3. Virginia Tech, Duke and Miami all have games in hand and just two conference losses, putting the Yellow Jackets at a bit of a disadvantage with no more opportunities to take care of business on the field. The big game this weekend will be played between Miami and Duke, with the winner getting a huge lift in the race to Charlotte.