Clemson Football: 3 takeaways from heart-wrenching win over North Carolina
By Zach Bigalke
2. Travis Etienne was often kept in check
After a huge performance in the season opener, it looked like Travis Etienne could emerge as Clemson’s real contender in the Heisman Trophy race. Over the next few weeks, though, Etienne was held under 100 yards against Texas A&M, Syracuse, and Charlotte. That trend repeated itself on Saturday as Etienne was once again handcuffed running the ball. Even taking away his fumble, it was not a great day for the back.
Etienne finished the day with 51 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, as the North Carolina front seven prevented him from busting off a run longer than 13 yards over the course of the game. The running back chipped in two receptions for just three yards. All in all, it was a weak performance by a back who looked initially like he might challenge for the Doak Walker Award this year after running roughshod on Georgia Tech.
Etienne’s touchdown certainly helped make a difference on a day when only a single point separated the two teams. But North Carolina can hang their heads high about the way they were able to bottle up the back for much of the game. In total, he managed to contribute fewer than half of the 125 net rushing yards put up on the day by the Clemson backfield.