Clemson vs. Georgia Tech 2009 Was a Tale of Two Halves

By clemsoncannon  |   Saturday, September 12, 2009  |  Comments( 0 )

Clemson Tigers
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The Clemson – Georgia Tech rivalry has been one of the most closely contested in the ACC over the years. Including last night’s thrilling 30-27 Georgia Tech win 11 of the last 14 games have been decided by 5 points or less. In a game that had two starkly different halves, both teams proved a point to the rest of the ACC. Georgia Tech showed that they are a legitimate contender for the ACC title in 2009. Clemson showed that they are not a team to be taken lightly and is also capable of making some noise in the conference this year.

The first half belonged to the Yellow Jackets as they raced to a 24-0 lead midway through the 2nd quarter. Anthony Allen led Georgia Tech in rushing with 127 yards on just 5 carries. 82 of those yards came on a touchdown run on the second play from scrimmage for the Yellow Jacket offense. Georgia Tech also scored two special teams touchdowns. The first one came on a punt return by Jerrard Tarrant. Clemson had lined up for an apparent 55 yard field goal attempt. Kicker Richard Jackson took the direct snap and punted right into Tarrant’s arms and he raced nearly untouched for the touchdown. Georgia Tech had a gimmick play of their own later in the quarter when they lined up for a 51 yard field goal attempt. Kicker Scott Blair took the direct snap and threw a 34 yard touchdown pass to a wide open Demaryius Thomas. Georgia Tech rang up nearly 200 yards on the ground in the half as the Clemson defense appeared to be confused by the triple option scheme of coach Paul Johnson. Clemson scored a touchdown late in the 2nd quarter on a Kyle Parker 63 yard touchdown pass to C.J. Spiller but the Tigers overall were outplayed, outcoached and outsmarted for most of the half in what looked like it would be a blowout win for the Yellow Jackets.

The second half saw a complete change in momentum with the Tigers defense coming out strong and holding Georgia Tech to a three and out on their first possession. Clemson scored on three consecutive possessions to tie the game at 24. Jackson kicked a 53 yard field goal early in the 4th quarter that gave the Tigers a 27-24 advantage. Coach Dabo Swinney and Defensive Coordinator Kevin Steele made all the right adjustments as the Tigers held the Yellow Jackets in check for most of the second half. GT quarterback Josh Nesbitt was a dismal 3 of 14 for 83 yards and two interceptions. But he hit Demaryius Thomas with a 39 yard strike that put his team in position to kick what would be the winning field goal with about one minute left in the game.

It may be little consolation but the Clemson players should be proud of the way they played. They did not give up after a frustrating first half and they gave themselves a chance to win the game. Any question about who will be their starting quarterback should be answered now. Redshirt freshman Kyle Parker was poised and confident showing himself to be the unquestioned leader of this offense. Without the two special teams gaffes this game was theirs for the taking. I still believe this team will finish as an also-ran in the ACC but they showed last night that they will be a tough out for any opponent and will probably play spoiler for some conference champion hopeful before it’s all over.
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