Clemson defense answers Koenning's challenge

CLEMSON — A week ago, Clemson defensive coordinator Vic Koenning questioned his unit's heart in the fourth quarter of a 41-27 loss to Florida State.

Koenning had no such complaints about the Tigers' defense in Clemson's 31-7 victory over Duke on Saturday afternoon.

Except for a meaningless touchdown by Duke wide receiver Eron Riley late in the fourth quarter, the Tigers' defense played a near flawless game against the Blue Devils.

The Tigers limited the Blue Devils to just 168 yards of total offense, forced two turnovers and sacked Duke quarterbacks three times.

"It wasn't the effort against Florida State that was disappointing, it was guys just not doing what they were supposed to be doing," Koenning said. "They had a little bit of the deer-in-the-headlights kind of look against Florida State. We didn't have the focus last week against Florida State and I think it was there today."

The return of defensive tackle Rashaad Jackson seemed to spark the Tigers defensively. Jackson had been slowed by a sprained knee this season and seemed to spend most of the afternoon in Duke's backfield.

"I walked up to Rashaad and said 'welcome back,' " Koenning said. "It was good to see No. 91 be a factor. I went up to him in the locker room and told him 'you've been the key the whole time.' We were able to get more pressure on the quarterback today than we have in a while."

Kelly sets mark

Clemson wide receiver Aaron Kelly became the Atlantic Coast Conference's all-time leader in receptions.

Kelly, who had 10 catches for 96 yards against the Blue Devils, has 217 receptions for 2,553 yards and 19 TDs.

Kelly broke the old mark of 216 receptions set by Wake Forest's Desmond Clark from 1995-98. Kelly ranks 13th in ACC history in receiving yards.

Clemson interim head coach Dabo Swinney re-inserted starting quarterback Cullen Harper into the lineup midway through the fourth quarter for Kelly's record-setting reception.

"It's one of the things I wanted to accomplish before the season was over," Kelly said. "Breaking the record in front of the home crowd was special."

Korn gets extended look

Backup quarterback Willy Korn got the most extensive playing time of his young career against the Blue Devils.

Korn got in for one series in the second quarter and then played most of the second half. The redshirt freshman completed seven of 12 passes for 34 yards.

Korn had been on the field for 63 snaps in all this season. Prior to the Duke game, Korn's most extended action had come against South Carolina State when he was in on 24 snaps in a 54-0 blowout of the Bulldogs.

"I definitely felt more comfortable out there as the game went on," Korn said. "It's tough when you're in there for only three snaps, like against Florida State, to get any kind of rhythm."

Lewis knocked out

The Tigers didn't get much of a chance to see the ACC's top offensive player — Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis.

Lewis survived just two offensive series against the Tigers' defense.

Lewis was knocked out of the game when he suffered an injury to his left foot in the first quarter. He was flushed out of the pocket and appeared to sprain his ankle when Jackson pressured him on the throw and clipped his leg.

"I wasn't trying to knock him out of the game," Jackson said. "Stuff like that is going to happen."

Lewis came into the game leading the ACC in passing yards (207 ypg), total offense (217.4 ypg) and touchdown passes (14).

"There's a reason he's leading the ACC in a lot of offensive categories," Koenning said. "Getting him out of the game was big for us. He makes that offense go. He does so many different things for them offensively."

Offensive line combinations

Clemson left tackle Chris Hairston started against Duke after missing most of the Florida State game with a concussion.

Hairston was listed as probable for the game, but had practiced full speed on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Tigers have used seven different starting combinations along the offensive line this season.

The Tigers used Hairston (left tackle), Thomas Austin (left guard), Bobby Hutchinson (center), Mason Cloy (right guard) and Landon Walker (right tackle) against the Blue Devils.

"I think that's the best we've played all season," Austin said. "We've been working hard to get better and I think we're finally starting to see some results on the field."

This was the same unit that started two weeks ago against Boston College.

What's in a name

The Blue Devils might not win an ACC championship in football, but there's little doubt they would have the "all-name" team.

Here's a sample: DT Vince Oghobaase. CB Chris Rwabukamba, S Adrian Aye-Darko, LB Michael Tauiliili, RB Patrick Kurunwune, DE Greg Akinbiyi, and DE Ayanga Okpokowuruk.