Troy Trojans vs Clemson Tigers Match Player Stats On Sep 10, 2016

The Sports Xchange
Sep 10, 2016

CLEMSON, S.C. -- Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson threw three touchdown passes, including two in the final quarter, as the No. 2-ranked Tigers plodded their way to a 30-24 victory over Troy on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Clemson (2-0) clung to a 13-10 lead entering the final quarter against Troy (1-1), which battled the Tigers on even terms throughout.

Then Watson lobbed a one-yard scoring pass to defensive end Christian Wilkins with 13:50 left in the game, then connected with wide receiver Deon Cain for a 23-yard touchdown four minutes later to give the Tigers some breathing room -- at least temporarily.

But Troy scored twice in the gameกฏs final five minutes to make it close, with the final touchdown coming with 44 seconds left to cut the Trojans' deficit to six points.

Clemson's Cain recovered an onside kick attempt with 43 seconds left and the Tigers kneeled once to run out the clock.

Clemson began to pull away in the fourth quarter thanks to the versatile Wilkins, who also logged seven tackles on defense.

The touchdown catch was the second career reception for Wilkins, a 310-pound sophomore who had a 31-yard reception on a fake punt in last year's Orange Bowl. That was the first touchdown reception by a defensive lineman in Clemson history.

Watson, a junior, improved to 20-2 as a starter. He completed 27 of a career-high 53 passes for 292 yards and had two passes intercepted.

Wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud had seven receptions for a career-high 86 yards, while Artavis Scott had seven catches for 71 yards.

Troy quarterback Brandon Silvers completed 24 of 42 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns and also had two intercepted. Both of his touchdowns went to wide receiver Deondre Douglas, who had 11 catches for 93 yards.

Troy, which was looking for its second victory against a ranked opponent in school history, took the first lead of the game, 3-0, on a 39-yard field goal by Ryan Kay with 10:22 left in the first quarter before Clemson evened the score on Greg Huegel's 26-yard field goal three minutes later.

An interception by Clemson's Kendall Joseph early in the second quarter set up the Tigers near midfield, and it took Clemson only four plays to score, with Watson connecting with Hunter Renfrow for a 35-yard touchdown.

It was the fourth consecutive game in which Renfrow has had at least one touchdown reception.

Troy's Jabir Frye broke free on the Trojans' ensuing possession, bouncing outside on a fourth-and-one play and racing 66 yards to tie the score at 10-10.

Clemson took a 13-10 lead into halftime after Huegel booted a 32-yard field goal on the Tigers' next possession.

NOTES: Clemson WR Ray-Ray McCloud had eight receptions for a career-high 86 yards. ... Clemson S Van Smith, who had 16 tackles a year ago, posted a career-high 13 tackles. ... Clemson QB Deshaun Watson became the fourth quarterback in Clemson history to surpass 6,000 career passing yards. ... Troy defensive coordinator Vic Koenning served as defensive coordinator at Clemson from 2005-2008. ... Troy QB Brandon Silvers threw his 34th career touchdown pass and ranks seventh the school's all-time list. ... Troy RB Jabir Frye's 66-yard touchdown run in the second quarter was a career long.