CLEMSON, S.C. - When running back Horactio Banks scampered 54-yards for Ball State's first touchdown against Clemson, it looked like the game could stay competitive. The run put the score within six points late in the first quarter.
But when the second quarter came, Clemson showed why it's the No. 12 team in the country in its 52-27 win over Ball State. And the team did it without star wide receiver Sammy Watkins.
Four plays into the second quarter, Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd found wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a 13-yard touchdown pass to give the Tigers a two-score lead. But the two players were far from being done in the quarter.
Ball State was able to manage a 45-yard field goal by kicker Steven Schott on its next possession, but an onside kick try gave Clemson excellent field position for the next drive. From Ball State's 34-yard line, Boyd found Hopkins over the middle and sprinted to the end zone for his second touchdown of the game.
Cardinals' quarterback Keith Wenning had his pass intercepted by linebacker Stephone Anthony on the next drive and Clemson didn't waste time on converting. And Boyd and Hopkins still weren't done in the quarter either.
Six plays after starting at Ball State's 39-yard line, Boyd hit Hopkins in the middle of the end zone for his third touchdown pass of the game. The duo combined for three touchdowns in the second quarter and Hopkins' three touchdown catches tied a Clemson record.
It was also Boyd's final pass of the day as he was replaced by backup Cole Stoudt on the next possession.
The monster second quarter for Clemson was capped off by 61-yard field goal by kicker Spencer Benton, the longest in Clemson football history, to put the halftime score at 45-10.
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