Ten memorable moments from Clemson’s run to the playoff
Clemson has enjoyed an enchanted run to perfection. Here is a countdown of 10 of the most memorable moments:
10. BUILDING A NEW HYATT
Signing Day
Freshman Mitch Hyatt quickly seized the starting role at left tackle. He started all 13 games and was named a first-team freshman All-American.
9. WAYNE TRAIN
Sept. 12 vs. Appalachian State
Wayne Gallman ran over Appalachian State’s Alex Gray for a 23-yard TD in the 41-10 rout, establishing him as the engine of the running game.
8. PIVOTAL PEAKE
Oct. 31 at N.C. State
Deshaun Watson connected with Charone Peake for a 42-yard touchdown. Clemson led 26-20 with 40 seconds remaining in the half and never relinquished the advantage.
7. ESCAPING THE ROOST
Nov. 28 at USC
USC trimmed Clemson’s advantage to 28-25 with 12:19 remaining before Watson directed a 10-play, 60-yard touchdown drive.
6. SHANK REDEMPTION
Sept. 17 at Louisville
The Cardinals squandered an opportunity to tie the game with 2:28 to play, as kicker John Wallace pushed a field goal attempt wide left.
5. CORDREA CUTS IN
Dec. 5 vs. UNC in ACC Championship
Trailing 21-16 in the third quarter, Marquise Williams led North Carolina into the red zone. But Cordrea Tankersley's pick killed UNC's momentum.
4. WORKER LB’s
Nov. 7 vs. Florida State
Trailing 23-13 with 2:15 remaining, FSU's Travis Rudolph was halted by Ben Boulware who stripped the ball and B.J. Goodson recovered so Clemson could run out the clock.
3. THANKS REFS
Dec. 5 vs. UNC in ACC Championship
Trailing 45-37 with 1:13 remaining, UNC recovered an onside kick. However, an official mistakenly flagged the Tar Heels for offsides. On the rekick, Clemson recovered.
2. CLOSING THE DOOR
Oct. 3 vs. Notre Dame
Notre Dame QB Deshone Kizer's TD pass cut Clemson's lead to 24-22 with 59 seconds remaining. His two-point conversion run but was stopped by Carlos Watkins.
1. DELAYED PROMISE
Sept. 3 vs. Wofford
Receiver Mike Williams collided with a padded goal post. A neck injury sidelined him for the season. But young receivers Deon Cain and Ray Ray McCloud stepped up.
The Greenville News
This story was originally published December 29, 2015 at 8:53 PM with the headline "Ten memorable moments from Clemson’s run to the playoff."