No record is safe in Clemson’s win over N.C. State

CLEMSON — Clemson’s final 2012 offensive statistics might also double as the program record book.

During a 62-48 win Saturday over N.C. State, Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd threw for five touchdowns and ran for three, becoming the first ACC player to combine for eight touchdowns in one game.

Boyd now has 41 combined rushing and passing touchdowns this season which breaks his own record of 38 from last season.

Boyd combined for 529 yards on Saturday — 426 passing, 103 rushing — breaking Woody Dantzler’s single-game program record set in 2001.

DeAndre Hopkins hauled in a 62-yard touchdown pass to become the program’s all-time leader in receiving yardage, surpassing Aaron Kelly (2,733 yards).

Brandon Ford, a former Hanahan High standout, caught his eighth touchdown pass of the season which tied Dwayne Allen’s program record of touchdown catches by a tight end in a season from 2011.

‘The creature’ strikes
Clemson coaches have raved about defensive end Vic Beasley’s athleticism since he arrived on campus.

Beasley now appears to be translating some of those tools into skills as a sophomore.

Despite playing in a part-time role, Beasley entered the game leading Clemson in sacks and registered three more Saturday to bring his season total to eight.

Beasley used his explosive speed and body control to easily beat N.C. State offensive tackles.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney referred to Beasley as a “creature” last week which was meant as a compliment.

Palmer sets ACC mark
N.C. State’s Tobias Palmer also got in the records books with an ACC record in all-purpose yards.

Palmer got behind the Clemson secondary for two long touchdowns receptions in the first half and also created havoc in the return game.

John Leach of Wake Forest had held the mark with his performance against Wake Forest in 1993.

20-5 for Boyd
Tajh Boyd earned his 20th win as a starting quarterback. Only six Clemson QBs have more: Rodney Williams (32-10-2 from 1985-88), Charlie Whitehurst (25-15 from 2002-05), Nealon Greene (24-16 1994-97), Homer Jordan (22-6-1 from 1979-82), Steve Fuller (21-11-3 from 1975-78) and Mike Eppley (21-5-1 from 1980-84).

Spiller time
C.J. Spiller, the former Clemson star running back in his third season with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, was on hand for the game. Spiller had a career-high 22 carries in Buffalo’s Thursday night victory over Miami.

Unanswered points
N.C. State scored 24 points in a row after the Tigers took a 13-0 lead.

Clemson gave up 28 unanswered points Sept. 22 in its 49-37 loss at Florida State.

Rodriguez again
Wide receiver and military veteran Daniel Rodriguez made a tackle on N.C. State’s second kickoff return.

Clemson’s Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient now has four tackles for the season.