Second-Quarter Turnovers Doom Apps In Death Valley

After a 3-0 score in the first quarter, it looked like App State and Clemson could be a competitive contest.

However, Taylor Lamb's three first-half interceptions proved to be costly. A pick six and another short field opened the dam and led to a 31-0 halftime score where the game a virtually over. The 41-10 final was a formality afterward.

Greg Huegel's 39-yard field goal in the first quarter gave the Tigers the early lead. However App State was staying around with solid defensive and special teams play. The first interception by Lamb was thrown into the end-zone near the end of the first quarter. After a Clemson punt, Lamb's third down pass was intercepted and returned 14 yards to make it 10-0.

On the very next possession, second down was deja-vu as Lamb was intercepted again on the App 33. Three interceptions in six plays. Three plays later, Deshaun Watson found Charone Peak for a 24-yard touchdown to make it 17-0.

After the next App three and out, Clemson drove the field, capped with a Wayne Gallman 23-yard touchdown to make it 24-0, still in the second quarter.

The Tigers added a fourth touchdown before halftime as Watson found Peake again, this time from 59 yards out to make it a 31-0 rout.

Early in the third, the Tigers added their final touchdown on a 41-yard Watson to Artavis Scott pass to make it 38-0.

App State added a 31-yard field goal from Zach Matics in the third, then Lamb found tight end Barrett Burns from a yard out to cap an 8-play, 80 yards drive for the Mountaineers lone score of the day.

Lamb finished 9 of 28 passing for 95 yards, a touchdown and the three interceptions. Watson added to his early Heisman ballot going 19 of 26 for 248 yards, three touchdowns and an early interception.

Marcus Cox reached the century mark for the Black and Gold, gaining 104 yards on 25 carries to lead all rushers. Gallman for Clemson had 79 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown. The final yardage total was 392-298 in favor of the Tigers, which is closer than you would think.

The Tigers turn around for an early ACC showdown at Louisville on Thursday. App State goes into a bye week before traveling to Conference USA's Old Dominion on Saturday, September 26th.