Player Grades: Georgia Tech at Clemson

Offense

Deon Cain, WR, Freshman, A: Cain helped himself move up in the receiver rotation with a nice game on Saturday. He had 5 catches for 98 yards, with his longest being a 38 yard reception. Look For Deshaun to start targeting him more.

Jordan Leggett, TE, Junior, A+: Clemson has a solid legacy of good tight ends, and Jordan Leggett looks to continue that legacy. 2 Touchdowns and 56 yards receiving. His first touchdown was a 29 yard fade to the end zone where he showed his ability to get separation from the defense. His second was an 8 yard pass, where he showed his ability to be a reliable target in the red zone. Leggett has shown a nice variety of threats this year and will definitely be a key piece to the Tiger offense as the season rolls on.

Defense

Jayron Kearse, S, Junior, A+: Kearse once again played angry and played a big role stifling Georgia Tech's option attack. The big moment for him was in the first quarter when he absolutely destroyed Georgia Tech's "pitch man" in the backfield. That play helped set the tone for the game. After it happened, I was looking for the ball because I thought there was no way that running back could have held on to that ball after getting hit that hard. Kudos Mikell Lands-Davis for not dropping that ball.

Ben Boulware, LB, Junior, A+: Boulware led the team in tackles with nine. Once again he was a key part in a big defensive game for the Tigers.

Defensive Line, A+: 71. That is how many rushing yards Paul Johnson's option offense ran for on Saturday. It was the lowest in his time at Georgia Tech. Considering how much trouble the option has given Clemson in the past, this is beautiful. Think back to the 2009 ACC Championship game, when 233 rushing yards from CJ Spiller and 34 points were not enough to beat Tech. I know that was a more talented Yellow Jacket squad, but still. To come from giving up 333 rushing yards back then to now holding them to 71 is incredible progress. As far as the 24 points scored by Tech on Saturday? One came off of a snap that went over Deshaun Watson's head and was recovered by Tech in the end zone. The 2 offensive touchdowns were long pass plays where they were able to get a receiver open deep. I'll take holding Georgia Tech to under 100 yards rushing and only defensively giving up 2 cheap touchdowns any day. Hats off to Brent Venebles and the entire defense and defensive coaching staff for this one.

Special Teams

Ammon Lakip, K, Senior, A: Another solid day on the kickoff front for Lakip with 6 kicks for 351 yards. He also added a 42 yard field goal. I've loved what I've seen from Lakip in his return and hope to keep seeing this kind of play from him.