Score: Clemson 45, Ball State 10.
Starting the second quarter on its own 49-yard line, Clemson wasted no time again getting into the end zone. After a 33-yard pass from quarterback Tajh Boyd to D.J. Howard, Boyd threw his first touchdown pass of the game to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins was poorly defended on the play by Ball State cornerback Jason Pinkston and the 15-yard touchdown pass extended Clemson's lead to 19-7.
The PAT was initially good, but a personal foul penalty on Ball State allowed Clemson to try for a two-point conversion. The Tigers converted on the try on a run by running back Andre Ellington to extend the lead to 21-7.
Ball State's Keith Wenning was able to complete a few passes and a pass interference call put the offense at Clemson's 21-yard line. But on a third-and-9, Clemson was able to sack Wenning to force a field goal try.
And for the second game in a row, kicker Steven Schott hit a field goal from beyond 40 yards as he made a 45-yard field goal to cut Clemson's lead to 21-10.
Ball State gambled by attempting a surprise onside kick, but was recovered by Clemson after the ball bounced around on the field. The recovery put Clemson in excellent field position as the offense started at Ball State's 33-yard line.
Three plays later, Boyd found Hopkins for the second time in the quarter for another touchdown. This time the pass went for 33-yards and extended Clemson's lead to 28-10.
Clemson got the ball back quickly as Wenning had a pass intercepted by linebacker Stephone Anthony and the Tigers took over at Ball State's 39-yard line. The turnover led to Boyd throwing his third touchdown to Hopkins from 15-yards out. With the reception, Hopkins tied the Clemson record for touchdowns in a game.
Wenning threw his second interception the following possession and four plays later running back Roderick McDowell continued the second quarter scoring with a 27-yard touchdown run.
On the drive, backup quarterback Cole Stoudt replaced Boyd.
Just before halftime, Clemson kicker Spencer Benton hit a 61-yard field goal as time expired. The field goal was the longest in school history.
Read More
Ball State women’s basketball runs out of gas against Columbia in the Battle 4 Atlantis
By Elijah Poe / 21 hours ago“As hard as we played, we literally were running on fumes,” Ball State women's basketball head coach Brady Sallee said about the 69-62 loss to Columbia in the Battle 4 Atlantis.
Ball State defeats Eastern Kentucky in opening game of Gulf Coast Showcase
By Zach Carter / YesterdayBall State defeated Eastern Kentucky 63-61 for the Cardinals' second win of the season.
Ball State tops Texas A&M in second game of Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament
By Logan Connor / Yesterday“It's the reason you come to play in tournaments like this, to play really good basketball teams,” head coach Brady Salle said after his team's Battle 4 Atlantis win
