Clemson gives BC the boot

CLEMSON -- A dominant performance by the Clemson defense, and two disjointed offenses, made Clemson's 25-7 win against Boston College anything but an aesthetic- pleasing production. It was shaping up that way well before the rains arrived Saturday.

Well before lightning twice interrupted play.

It was during delays when Clemson suffered their most serious setbacks. During the first weather stoppage in 16 years at Memorial Stadium, it was announced left tackle Chris Hairston was out after injuring his left knee.

An MRI revealed a sprain, but the Tigers avoided a season-ending ACL tear.

When lightning struck again, news came C.J. Spiller was also out after aggravating his toe injury.

Dabo Swinney said Spiller will play Saturday against TCU.

"It was a sloppy day," Swinney said. "I've never experienced anything like that. But it's like goal No. 7 (listed in the team meeting room) play for 60 minutes or as long as it takes to finish."

The events buried some of the best defensive and kicking efforts in school history.

Risen-from-the-ashes kicker Richard Jackson tied Jad Dean's school record of six field goals in game (Texas A&M 2005). And the Tigers allowed 54 total yards, the second fewest against an ACC opponent.

The Tigers forced 13 three-and-outs, registering four turnovers and four sacks.

Clemson (2-1, 1-1 ACC) was able to match up against a conventional offense for the first time this season -- an offense that no longer had Matt Ryan -- and for the first time utilize new coordinator Kevin Steele's base packages.

Clemson linebacker Brandon Maye was unable to hide his excitement about the prospects this week.

"I told you, we finally got a chance to play Coach Steele defense," Maye said. "The front four made a name for itself today."

Steele was pleased Clemson stopped the run without using extra defenders in the box. Clemson limited the Eagles (2-1, 0-1 ACC) to 29 rushing yards for the game, minus-5 rushing in the first half.

Defensive tackles Brandon Thompson and Jarvis Jenkins stuffed the interior, and on passing downs the ends dominated.

Ricky Sapp surpassed his sack total of a year ago and Da'Quan Bowers equaled his.

Sapp beat Boston College left tackle Anthony Castonzo twice during a three-play span in the second quarter. The senior end finished with three sacks on the day after recording two sacks last season.

Bowers sacked Justin Tuggle in the third quarter, his first of the season, rushing as a defensive tackle.

As advertised, Steele showed a variety of formations and multiple position roles.

Bowers lined up at end, tackle and linebacker.

Clemson allowed 25 passing yards, the fewest since Temple had 15 in 1991.

"Players win the games," Steele said. "(Saturday) was a great example of players playing how they are supposed to play."

The defense was supported by Jackson, perfect on all his attempts, including a 52-yarder to give Clemson a 19-0 lead at the half.

Spiller accounted for Clemson's only touchdown, opening the scoring with a 77-yard punt return.

Spiller returned three punts for 119 yards. He added 77 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker "played like a freshman for the first time," Swinney said.

Throwing off his back foot, and locking on to receiving targets, Parker threw two first-half interceptions and was limited to 13-of-27 passing for 103 yards.

On the first pick, Parker tried to rifle a ball to Jacoby Ford between two defenders. On the second, Parker did not see strongside linebacker Dominick LeGrande drop into pass protection.

"It's part of his growing up," Clemson offensive coordinator Billy Napier said. "He's resilient."

Berkeley High's Andre Ellington also struggled, losing a fumble deep in Clemson territory leading to BC's only score, a 13-yard scoring pass from Tuggle to Justin Jarvis.

The score cut the Clemson lead to 19-6 with 14 minutes to play in the fourth.

But on a wet, gray day it was the Eagles' high-water mark.

Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com