CLEMSON, S.C. — Kicker Nolan Hauser drilled three field goals and quarterback Christopher Vizzina connected with T.J. Moore for an early touchdown, leading Clemson to a 16-7 halftime advantage over Georgia Southern at Memorial Stadium.
Despite dominating the box score in total yardage (257 to 111) and first downs (16 to 3), the Tigers left the door open for the Eagles late in the second quarter. Georgia Southern quarterback Max Johnson delivered a 42-yard touchdown strike to Ashton Hollins with 3:03 remaining in the half to trim Clemson’s lead to six before Hauser answered with his third field goal of the night as time expired.
First Quarter: Early Turnover Converts to Tiger Touchdown
Clemson started the game by converting a Georgia Southern mistake into early points. After an opening-drive punt by Clemson’s Jack Smith, Georgia Southern punt returner Antavious Murphy muffed the catch at the GSO 32-yard line. Jackson Reach recovered the fumble at the GSO 27, setting up Clemson’s offense in prime field position.
Vizzina capitalized seven plays later, threading a 10-yard touchdown pass to Moore at the 11:01 mark. Hauser added the extra point to put the Tigers ahead 7-0.
On Clemson’s third drive, Vizzina was intercepted by Eagles defensive back Jakyri Jones at the Georgia Southern 18-yard line.
Quarterback Tait Reynolds then took over under center for Clemson. Reynolds quickly moved the offense inside the Eagles’ 10-yard line, highlighted by a 15-yard run from Chris Johnson Jr.. However, on a third-and-1 from the GSO 10, Reynolds fumbled after a hit by Carlo Thompson. Jones recovered the ball at the 7-yard line to thwart the drive.
Second Quarter: Hauser Moves the Chains, Eagles Strike Long
Clemson expanded its cushion early in the second quarter. Following a tight 6-play, 15-yard drive, Hauser booted a 20-yard field goal with 14:57 left in the half to push the score to 10-0.
Reynolds continued to helm the offense, connecting with Moore for a game-high 45-yard completion down to the GSO 12-yard line. That explosive play set up Hauser’s second field goal, a 34-yarder with 4:54 on the clock, making it 13-0.
Georgia Southern’s offense, which had been stymied for most of the half by Clemson defensive end Will Heldt (2.0 sacks, 3.0 TFLs), suddenly found traction. Johnson found Jeremiah Ware for gains of 22 and 13 yards before unleashing a deep 42-yard touchdown pass to Hollins on a first-and-10 from the CLE 42. Tripp Bryant’s extra point pulled the Eagles within 13-7.
With 3:03 left in the half, Reynolds orchestrated an 11-play, 55-yard drive to respond. Facing third-and-18 from the CLE 44, Reynolds delivered a clutch 20-yard pass to Tyler Brown, followed by a 16-yard scramble down to the GSO 20. Following a clock-stopping spike, Hauser drilled a 38-yard field goal as the quarter expired to give Clemson a 16-7 halftime cushion.
First Half Key Player Statistics
Passing
- Clemson:
- Tait Reynolds: 12-17, 160 YDS, 0 TD, 0 INT (Long: 45 YDS)
- Christopher Vizzina: 4-7, 19 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT (Long: 10 YDS)
- Ga. Southern:
- Max Johnson: 11-16, 102 YDS, 1 TD, 0 INT (Long: 42 YDS)
Rushing
- Clemson:
- Tait Reynolds: 9 CAR, 32 YDS
- Gideon Davidson: 8 CAR, 24 YDS
- Chris Johnson Jr.: 3 CAR, 23 YDS
- Ga. Southern:
- David Mbadinga: 1 CAR, 5 YDS
- Taeo Todd: 1 CAR, 5 YDS
- Max Johnson: 4 CAR, 0 YDS
Receiving
- Clemson:
- T.J. Moore: 6 REC, 88 YDS, 1 TD
- Tyler Brown: 4 REC, 44 YDS
- Bryant Wesco Jr.: 5 REC, 38 YDS
- Ga. Southern:
- Ashton Hollins: 2 REC, 45 YDS, 1 TD
- Jeremiah Ware: 2 REC, 35 YDS
- Josh Dallas: 6 REC, 19 YDS
Defensive Leaders
- Clemson: Will Heldt (3 TOTAL, 2.0 SACKS, 3.0 TFL), Elliot Washington II (3 TOTAL, 1 FF), Corian Gipson (3 TOTAL)
- Ga. Southern: Rashon Myles Jr. (8 TOTAL, 1.0 TFL), Chance Gamble (6 TOTAL, 1.0 TFL, 1 PBU), Jakyri Jones (4 TOTAL, 1 INT, 1 FR)
Statistical Overview
| Team Statistics | Ga. Southern | Clemson |
| First Downs | 3 | 16 |
| Net Rushing Yards | 9 | 78 |
| Net Passing Yards | 102 | 179 |
| Completions-Attempts-Int | 11-16-0 | 16-25-1 |
| Total Offensive Plays-Yards | 24-111 | 46-257 |
| Fumbles-Lost | 2-1 | 2-1 |
| Penalties-Yards | 5-49 | 7-65 |
| Punts-Average | 6-42.5 | 3-38.3 |
| Time of Possession | 11:29 | 18:31 |
| Third-Down Conversions | 1 of 7 | 1 of 7 |
