Clemson Athletics See Success As Fall Season Starts

Football:

Clemson returns home this week after a 19-13 win at Auburn in the season opener. But the team didn’t exactly go out and make a statement. The offense seemed lackluster, posting 19 points and only 6 points after halftime. Well the young untested defense stepped up to seal a win, the public opinion of the 2016 Clemson team took a hit. While both the AP and Coach’s Polls gave Clemson the benefit of the doubt, ESPN knocked Clemson down a spot in their power rankings. Clemson did fair better than other teams as several top 25 and top 10 teams fell during the open weekend (looking at you Oklahoma).

There were some positives from the game though. Mike Williams returned from injury and proved to be a force raking up 174 yards, a career high. He looks every part the first round receiver he is projected to be in the NFL Draft next April.

Deshaun Watson also remains a heavy favorite to win Heisman, currently sitting at 9:2 odds. He is second behind Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey who sits at 4:1

Upon returning home Dabo and Deshaun faced questions about the game and the team. Dabo firmly defended his decision to go for it on 4^th down late in the game instead of kick the field. Deshaun promised fans that "The things that we can fix will be fixed." The team plays in its home opener on Saturday a heavy favorite against Troy.

Alumni:

While the current QB is making headlines for the right reasons, a former QB is making them for the wrong ones. Tajh Boyd was charged this week for assault and battery in Greenville after getting into an altercation at a nightclub. Boyd turned himself in and was released on a bond.

Soccer:

The Clemson soccer teams have had a big week as well. The #2 Men’s team took down #8 Creighton at home last weekend and now play #3 UNC in their ACC opener. The #6 Women’s team fell against #22 South Carolina and now return home looking to rebound against High Point.

Volleyball:

Clemson had a rough week against rival South Carolina as the volleyball team as the Gamecocks beat the Tigers in 4 sets to win the Carolina Classic. Clemson is now 3-3 on the season but senior Leah Perri has been a bright spot. She sits in the top 20 in the country with 119 kills on the season.

Cross Country:

The cross country teams had strong showings last weekend as well. Both teams placed second in the Eye Opener Invitational. Both teams were missing their top runners but freshmen Logan Morris and Jenna Gearing placed 5^th and 7^th overall for the women.