Watson, Clemson continue sluggish start against Troy

Deshaun Watson and the Clemson Tigers struggled much more than expected with the visiting Troy Trojans in Week 2.

It might be time for Clemson fans to start worrying about a title-game-loss hangover. For the second game in a row to open this season, the Tigers let an inferior opponent hang around much longer than they should have. The good news is that the Tigers’ hangover has been mild enough they have still run their record to 2-0. In Week 2, they ultimately prevailed over the Troy Trojans, 30-24.

Clemon’s season opener could be written off to some extent. They were on the road. Auburn is an SEC team. Maybe Auburn is better than we think. There is no preseason, so that was their first real action since losing to Alabama in the CFP Final. They were just working out the kinks.

There are no such escape hatches and caveats  this week. Clemson was matched for three quarters by a team that finished in the bottom half of the Sun Belt last year.

After Clemson only took a 13-10 lead into halftime and a scoreless third quarter, the Tigers finally created some separation in the fourth. Watson threw touchdown passes of 1 yard and 23 yards in the first five minutes of the quarter. However, Troy had yet another answer.

Brandon Silvers’ two-yard touchdown pass to Deondre Douglas made it a two-score game at 27-17 with five minutes to go. A Clemson field goal on the ensuing drive made it 30-17. The Trojans then marched down the field in an eight-play, 68-yard drive that culminated in a 1-yd hookup between Silvers and Douglas with 44 seconds left. A failed onside kick attempt ended the upset threat and allowed the more than 70,000 gathered at Death Valley to finally exhale.

Watson looks human

Perhaps most disturbing for Clemson and their backers (besides players literally giving away touchdowns), Deshaun Watson has looked like far from the best player in the country they want and expect him to be. This week, Watson was able to get going for just under 300 yards and 3 touchdowns through the air and another 55 yards on the ground. However, he also threw two uncharacteristic interceptions and was 27-for-53 passing on the day.

What’s Next

Clemson will have one more week to get ready for ACC play. They host the South Carolina State Bulldogs (0-2) of the FCS at 12 p.m. ET next Saturday, Sept. 17.