Clemson vs. Boston College Post-Game Notes

Sept. 19, 2009

Prior to today’s game, Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney presented Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich with a check for $5,000 towards the Uplifting Athletes Fund. Herzlich, the 2008 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, is battling cancer and will not play this year. Swinney also presented Herzlich with a #94 Clemson jersey with his name on the back of it. The jersey was signed by members of the Clemson team as they wished him well in his recovery.

Clemson reserve offensive lineman Jamarcus Grant is not at the game today. He developed a fever at the team hotel this morning. Ironically, it was Grant’s idea to give Mark Herzlich the signed Clemson jersey prior to today’s game.

Today’s game marks the 19th meeting between the Tigers and Eagles. Clemson leads the all-time series with a 9-8-2 mark. It is the first time Clemson has defeated Boston College at home since 1958, when the Tigers defeated the Eagles by a score of 34-12. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has a perfect 2-0 record against the Eagles.

Clemson held the Boston College offense to 55 total yards on 49 plays. That defensive performance ranks sixth on the Tigers’ all-time list for fewest total offense games by an opponent. Clemson’s defense had an outstanding first half, holding Boston College to -2 yards of total offense. The Tigers also held the Eagles scoreless in the first half, just as they did in Chestnut Hill in 2008. In the third quarter, the Tigers allowed only 49 yards of total offense.

Clemson’s total defense of 55 yards today was the second best total defense figure in an ACC game. Clemson allowed just 41 yards against Virginia in Charlottesville in 1963. Today’s performance was the best in any game by a Clemson defense since that game in 1963 at Virginia.

Clemson allowed just 25 yards passing today, the fewest by a Clemson opponent since the 1991 season when Temple had just 15.

C.J. Spiller is the first player in Clemson history to have a 100-yard game in each of the categories of kickoff returns, punt returns, rushing and receiving over the course of his career.

Spiller’s punt return for touchdown at 11:33 in the first quarter is the fifth different way Spiller has scored a touchdown, and is the first player in Clemson history to account for a touchdown five different ways (kickoff return, punt return, reception, run, pass). It was also his first career punt return for a touchdown, but his fifth touchdown on kick returns. That ties him with Justin Miller for the most scores (5) on kick returns.

Spiller has 15 career touchdown plays of 50 yards or more, and is Clemson’s career leader in that category. This was his second play of 50 yards or more against Boston College, as he caught a short pass then raced for 82 yards for a touchdown.

Redshirt freshman Rashard Hall recorded his first career interception in the first half..

Richard Jackson, a redshirt junior from Greer, SC, tied the Clemson record for field goals made in a game. Jad Dean set the Clemson record of six field goals made during the 2005 season, against Texas A&M. Jackson had three field goals in the first half, then followed that with a 52-yard field goal with 9:16 left in the third quarter. He tacked on his fifth made field goal of the day at the 10:56 mark of the fourth quarter, with a 42-yard boot. Hi sixth field goal was a 35-yard field goal made with 2:01 remaining in the game.

Jackson is the first Clemson player to have two field goals of at least 50 yards in two games since 1992. He is the second player in Clemson history to have field goals of at least 50 yards in consecutive games. In 1990, Chris Gardocki had a field goal of at least 50 yards in three consecutive games – against Maryland, Appalachian State and Duke. The Clemson career record for field goals of 50 yards or more is five, held by Chris Gardocki (1988-90) and Donald Igwebuike (1981-84). Jackson is also the third kicker in Clemson history to kick at least five field goals in the same game.

Redshirt freshman linebacker Jonathan Willard had a tackle for loss (-3 yards) in his first defensive snap.

Senior Ricky Sapp tallied two sacks for the second time in his career during today’s game.

Jonathan Meeks, a freshman from Rock Hill, SC, recorded his first career interception and returned it for 17 yards with 3:59 remaining in the game. He also had a PBU in the fourth quarter.

The lightning delay occurring with 5:02 remaining in the third quarter (2:15-3:10 PM) is only the second lightning delay at Clemson since 1963. In 1963, there was a weather delay at Memorial Stadium against Georgia, then a weather delay for 17 minutes in the fourth quarter of the Clemson vs UNLV game in 1993. Today’s game had another rain delay consisting of 48 minutes in the fourth quarter.