SportsDirect Inc. staff
Nov 10, 2012
No. 8 Clemson 45, Maryland 10: Tajh Boyd threw three touchdown passes as the host Tigers kept pace with Florida State in the ACC Atlantic Division with an easy victory over the undermanned Terrapins.
Boyd's touchdown passes all came in the first half when Clemson (9-1, 6-1) outgained Maryland 310-90 en route to a 35-7 lead. Junior DeAndre Hopkins increased his school record with his 23rd career touchdown catch, a 28-yarder to make it 21-0 in the first quarter.
Fifth-string quarterback Shawn Petty, a freshman linebacker, was 6-of-12 for 41 yards and a touchdown in his second straight start for Maryland (4-6, 2-4). The Terrapins were also missing freshman sensation Stefon Diggs (ankle) and leading tackler Demetrius Hartsfield (torn ACL last week).
Clemson was sloppy at times in the first half, losing two fumbles. After they punted on their opening drive, the Tigers scored touchdowns on all four possessions when they hung on to the ball and Corey Crawford returned a Petty fumble 16 yards for a score.
Boyd finished 18-of-26 for 261 yards - 17-of-22 for 213 in the first half - before being lifted for backup Cole Stoudt, who threw a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. The Tigers outgained the Terrapins 436-180 and had 27 of the game's 37 first downs.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Clemson All-American WR Sammy Watkins left the game in the second quarter with a leg injury and did not return. ... Clemson must finish ahead of Florida State to win the division title because of its 49-37 loss to the Seminoles this season, but with their high ranking would likely receive a BCS bowl berth even if they win out and finish second. ... Clemson RB Andre Ellington, who was questionable because of a hamstring injury, had 55 yards and a touchdown. ... Stoudt's father, Cliff, played quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, predominantly serving as Terry Bradshaw's backup from 1977-82.