Clemson keeps focus, routs Furman, 41-7, with Florida State showdown on the horizon

CLEMSON – Perhaps looking ahead to next week’s critical game against Florida State, No. 11 Clemson was sluggish at times Saturday but still handled FCS-foe Furman with relative ease in a 41-7 win on Saturday.

Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins was just looking forward to just returning to the field Saturday, playing in his first game after serving a two-game suspension following his May arrest on drug charges. Watkins showed his rare burst of speed on a 58-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, the first rushing touchdown of his career and the longest run of his career. He also caught four passes for 52 yard.

Clemson improved to 3-0 on the season before 81,500 fans at Memorial Stadium. Furman fell to 0-3.

Furman has lost 30 straight games to Clemson.

Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd completed 19 of 28 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns. His 33-yard scoring pass to Brandon Ford and his 39-yard touchdown to pass to Martavis Bryant lifted him to second place all-time in program history with 43 scoring throws, passing Cullen Harper. Charlie Whitehurst holds the program’s all-time mark with 49.

DeAndre Hopkins continued his hot start to the season catching seven passes for 95 yards.

The Clemson also continued its trend of faltering against the run at times on defense, allowing Furman back Jerodis Williams to gain 78 yards on 16 carries.

Perhaps more troubling was Furman quarterback Reese Hannon completing 19 of 27 passes for 235 yards.

Clemson did not produce a sack.

Clemson also has some new injury concerns as defensive tackle DeShawn Williams did not return to the game after injuring his foot in the first half. Starting right tackle Tyler Shatley injured his ankle in the first half and did not return.