No. 12 Clemson routs Ball State in home opener

CLEMSON – Sammy who?

Clemson did not miss star Sammy Watkins as he sat out the second game of his two-game suspension Saturday. Fellow Clemson receiver DeAndre Hopkins tied a school record with three touchdown catches (Rod Gardner had three scoring catches against North Carolina in 2000) and recorded his third straight 100-yard receiving game in a 52-27 Clemson victory over Ball State at Memorial Stadium.

Hopkins did not even play in the second half as No. 12 Clemson (2-0) led 45-10 at the break, the most first-half points scored by Clemson since 1981.

Hopkins finished with six catches for 105 yards and three scores. He’s played in six quarters this season and he has 19 catches, 224 yards and four touchdown passes, proving Clemson might have two No. 1 caliber receivers when Watkins returns next week against Furman.

CLemson quarterback Tajh Boyd also sat out the second half. Boyd completed 19 of 23 passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns. He did not throw an interception.

Clemson went over the 500-yard mark in total offense for the second straight week and Andre Ellington had another productive day, scoring two touchdowns while rushing for 41 yards on 13 carries.

Perhaps the only area of concern for Clemson was its run defense, which allowed two long rushing towns to Horactio Banks. Banks rushed for 111 yards on six carries.

Clemson shut down Ball State quarterback Keith Wenning who completed 16 of 29 passing for 128 yards and two interceptions.

Injury note: Clemson left guard David Beasley injured his ankle in the first quarter and did not return to the game. He was replaced by Kalon Davis. There was no immediate word on the severity of Beasley’s injury.