Box Score CLEMSON, SC—Fifth-ranked Clemson (3-0) posted their third straight victory of the season in a 59-0 win over visiting South Carolina State (0-3) Saturday (Sept. 17) at Memorial Stadium.

"Things didn't go as well as we would have liked to, but one thing we can take away from this experience is that this will prepare us for our conference," said head coach Buddy Pough. "This three game (stretch) is a little ambitious for us, but we played hard in every game. Hopefully, it will sharpen us and give us more momentum going into the Florida A&M game."

The Tigers jumped out to an early 21-0 lead in the first quarter off 7-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Deshaun Watson to Ray-Ray McCloud (7-0).  Junior running back Wayne Gallman put Clemson ahead 14-0 on a three-yard punch with 5:20 remaining in the first. A costly error by the Bulldogs on kickoff, resulted in a fumble recovery in the end zone by freshman safety Denzel Johnson for a touchdown (21-0).

A pair of touchdown passes of (36-yards) and (17-yards) late in the second quarter by Watson gave Clemson a 45-0 lead at halftime. The Tigers held on to prevail in a 59-0 victory over the Bulldogs.

Redshirt junior All-MEAC linebacker Darius Leonard recorded a game-high 19 tackles (8), while Tyler Smith added 12 and Dayshawn Tayler chipped in 10 in the loss. Junior punter Jerome Pettiway had a solid day putting with nine (9) punts for 368 yards (40.9 yards per punt).

Sophomore quarterback Caleb York completed 8 of 22 passes for 54 yards with an interception. Lynard Jamison led SC State in receiving with three catches for 33 yards, while Labron Morris rushed for 41 yards.

South Carolina State returns to action on the road against Florida A&M in the MEAC opener for both teams at Bragg Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla. Kickoff is 6 p.m.
 
For more information on South Carolina State Athletics visit www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations (803) 536-7060.