Clemson's "Pick Six" Most Important Plays of 2011

Clemson Tiger Football Most Important Plays of 2011

More Clemson Related Topics

This is our “Pick Six” Most Important Plays of the 2011 season for Clemson. These are Plays that were huge for the Tigers in helping them reach and win the ACC Championship Game.

6. Coty Sensabaugh interception vs. Auburn

At the time of this game no one knew the direction both schools were heading in 2011. Auburn's winning streak was about to end. Up until this interception the fate of this game was very much in doubt. Sensabaugh’s pick of Barrett Trotter sealed this game for the home team Tigers. Coach Swinney let it all out post game saying “I can't think of no better place for the streak to end than Clemson, SC baby”. This was the start of what would be many more post game celebrations for Dabo and his Tigers.

5. Rennie Moore sacking Clint Trickett to end the FSU rally

After dismantling Auburn the week previous Clemson had to get ready for a huge Division game vs FSU. The Tigers picked up where they left off on offense in the first half going up 21-10. The Seminole defense however circled the wagons in the second half to mount a comeback. Down five and facing 4th and 9 at it’s own 38 Moore sacks the freshman QB to get Clemson off to a 1-0 start in the ACC.

4. Sammy Watkins 89 yard kick return vs Maryland

This turned out to be no leisurely walk for the Tigers in College Park Maryland. The Tiger’s overcame a 35-17 halftime deficit to only find themselves down again 45-42 in the fourth quarter. Maryland then kicks the ball to Sammy Watkins and he returns it 89 yards for a TD. Why did they do that? (pause) The Tigers improve to 8-0 on the season, its best start since 2008

3. Sammy Watkins’s 53 yard TD reception in the 3rd Quarter of ACC Championship Game.

Any remaining doubt on this night was put to bed after this play put the Tigers up 14 points. Boyd threw a perfect strike to Watkins who ran a beautiful route. The Tigers would never look back, only ahead to the Orange Bowl in Miami

2. Logan Thomas fumble in 1st Quarter Championship Game

Andre Branch recovered Logan Thomas’s fumble on the first play of scrimmage for the Tiger defense to help get his team off to a much needed fast start. Stephone Anthony caused the loose ball and Branch was there to fall on it. The speedy Tiger defense gave the Virginia Tech quarterback fits all night long. This play gave the Tigers some much needed momentum after dropping the two games previous. Right from the beginning it just seemed like it was Clemson’s night and this fumble recovery got it all started.

1. Chandler Catanzaro’s 43 yard FG to beat Wake Forrest

The biggest play without a doubt was the play that got the Tigers in the ACC Championship game in the first place. After having missed one earlier in the fourth quarter Catanzaro drilled the 43 yard kick to send Clemson to Charlotte. It would have been disastrous for the Tigers had they lost this game at home and somehow squandered a chance to win the ACC. Catanzaro makes the kick and the 2011 Clemson Tigers make history!