ORLANDO — Clemson heads into the break hanging onto a 6-3 lead over Iowa State at the Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Stadium.
The Tigers dominated the first quarter but had just three points to show for it.
Clemson totaled 104 yards of total offense in the game’s first 15 minutes. But Brandon Streeter’s unit was unable to get much of anything going after a relatively successful first drive.
From there, the offense experienced some of the similar struggles that plagued the unit throughout the course of the regular season — execution —proving to be transcendent even through a changing of the guard at offensive coordinator.
Though, Clemson did outgain Iowa State 212-153.
D.J. Uiagalelei was methodical and played relatively well. His pocket presence is still somewhat lacking, but he didn’t get the help he needed from some of his teammates.
Uiagalelei went 15-of-24 with 145 yards passing in the first half of play. He completed 63% of his passes, though, it would’ve been more if not for the combined drops of Will Shipley, Joseph Ngata and Beaux Collins.
Wes Goodwin’s first half as Clemson’s co-defensive coordinator couldn’t have fared much better. Sure, the Tigers did allow Iowa State to drive the football down the field methodically on two separate offensive possessions, but both drives ended in field goal attempts.
The defense’s bend, but don’t break mentality proved to be a relative theme in the first half of Wednesday’s contest.
The Tigers would catch a huge break on a would-be touchdown, late in the first quarter.
Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy had an open target in his veteran tight end, Brandon Allen, in between two Clemson defenders. The senior quarterback sailed the throw wide of Allen, forcing the Cyclones to settle for 3-points.
They would settle for two field goals, but Iowa State kicker Andrew Mevis went 1-of-2 on those attempts, missing from 43-yards out.
Clemson had to reach further into its depth chart after James Skalski limped off injured midway through the second quarter. Skalski did not return to the game in the first half and was on the sideline without his helmet.
In addition to Skalski, Clemson was already down starters Nolan Turner (toe) and Baylon Spector (wrist).
LaVonta Bentley started in place of Spector, but he struggled in coverage. The absences of Skalski and Spector paved way for an interesting linebacker configuration as the Tigers had Barrett Carter at the SAM-backer position with Keith Maguire as the MIKE and Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. as the WILL-backer.
LaVonta Bentley started in place of Spector, but he struggled in coverage.
The Cyclones did have absences of their own, including leading-rusher Breece Hall, who opted out of Wednesday’s game.
Purdy completed 9-of-15 passes with 112 yards passing, while Iowa State ran for just 41 yards on 11 carries.
B.T. Potter, who missed a field goal as time expired on the first half, gave Clemson the lead behind a 51-yard field goal. The Tigers clung onto that lead heading into halftime at 6-3.
Iowa State will receive the second-half opening kickoff.