Clemson Falls At Duke, 16-13

Nov. 13, 2004

By AARON BEARDAP Sports Writer

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) – Matt Brooks kicked a 53-yard field goal as time expired Saturday to lift Duke over Clemson 16-13.

Brooks’ kick capped a Duke rally from a seven-point deficit in the final 90 seconds, allowing the Blue Devils (2-8, 1-6 Atlantic Coast Conference) to snap a four-game losing streak.

Ronnie Drummer had a 4-yard touchdown catch to tie the game with 1:21 left, and Deonto McCormick picked off a pass from Charlie Whitehurst near midfield to set up the winning drive.

Brooks’ kick sent the Blue Devils players spilling onto the field to celebrate, while orange-clad Clemson fans – who filled up several sections of Wallace Wade Stadium – sat in stunned silence.

Reggie Merriweather had a 3-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter for the Tigers (5-5, 4-4), who followed their overtime upset of Miami with a disappointing loss to the league’s last-place team.

Merriweather’s score gave the Tigers a 13-6 lead. But the Blue Devils – who ran for just 21 yards in the game – made key plays when they needed them most. They put together a 54-yard scoring drive, relying on the arm of Mike Schneider.

Schneider went 6-for-7 on the drive, the last pass going to Drummer out of the backfield on the left side. Drummer made the catch, then cut back inside David Dunham for the tying score.

The Blue Devils then took advantage of a bit of bad luck for the Tigers. Whitehurst lofted a first-down pass near midfield for Michael Collins, but the wideout fell down. That left Chris Davis alone for the interception with 1:07 left.

Four plays later, the Blue Devils had their first ACC win of the season.

Schneider completed 20 of 31 passes for 213 yards. Brooks also kicked field goals of 21 and 27 yards.

Merriweather ran for 76 yards to lead the Tigers.