Ups and Downs: Takeaways From Clemson's Blowout Win Over S.C. State

Takeaways from Clemson's 49-3 win over S.C. State on Saturday afternoon in Death Valley.

CLEMSON - It wasn't all pretty, but Clemson's 49-3 win over S.C. State on Saturday was exactly what the Tigers needed.

After being held out of the end zone in a 10-3 season-opening loss to Georgia, the Tigers scored five first-half touchdowns against the Bulldogs, cruising to an easy win over the FCS opponent.

While there isn't always a ton to be learned from these types of games, there were a number of ups and downs for the Tigers on Saturday.

Ups:

• D.J Uiagalelei: After a dismal start against Georgia, Uiagalelei bounced back with a solid effort against S.C. State. The sophomore quarterback hit on 58-percent of his passes and had one touchdown pass. More importantly, Uiagalelei showed more of a willingness to use his legs on Saturday, averaging 4.6 YPC and adding two more touchdowns on the ground.
• Running Game: After not being able to run the ball against Georgia, or even making much of an effort to establish a running game, Clemson rushed the ball 36 times on Saturday for 246 yards. Will Shipley finally got show off that speed, as he averaged 10 YPC.
• Offensive Line: Granted, it was an inferior opponent, but the Tigers' offensive line played much better on Saturday. Clemson did not allow a sack one week after allowing seven and the running game averaged 6.7 YPC.
• Defense: Brent Venables unit brought the same energy they did one week ago, once again holding the opponent out of the end zone. That is eight consecutive quarters to start the season in which the Tigers defense has not allowed a touchdown. They also recorded 10 tackles for loss and held S.C. State to 2-16 on third downs.
• Special Teams: The Tigers have found a weapon in Will Taylor. He had a touchdown return called back and averaged 17.7 yards on three punt returns.

Downs

• Turnovers: The Tigers turned the ball over three times and lost the turnover battle 3-1. That's something they can get away with against an FCS team, but ball security will need to be better once the competition gets stronger.
• Uiagalelei: The young quarterback is still learning how to put the right touch on the ball. At times, he seems to still be putting to much heat on his throws, as we witnessed on more than one occasion in the win. 
• Missed FG: B.T. Potter missed his only field goal attempt on the day. However, it was a 58-yard attempt to end the first half.