CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. — Clemson had not had a play of 50 yards or more in the first five games of the season, but in the opening half it had three.

After a Ray Ray McCloud muffed punt set up a 21-yard Boston College field goal with 11:08 to play in the first quarter, the Tigers got a 59-yard touchdown run by Wayne Gallman on the ensuing possession, and then on the next offensive possession, Mike Williams made a diving catch at the five-yard line of a Deshaun Watson pass and later scored on a nine-yard toss by Watson for a 14-3 lead.

On the next offensive possession, Watson hit Jordan Leggett down seam and then the tight end did the rest as he cut back inside and down the boundary for a 56-yard touchdown pass.

The Boston College defense, which led the nation in total yards allowed and passing defense coming in, gave up 201 total yards in the opening on 14 plays.

After the offense slowed down in the second quarter, the defense stepped up and had a goal line stand to stop one BC drive, and then Ben Boulware hit quarterback Patrick Towels high on a scramble, forcing a fumble which the Tigers’ Dexter Lawrence recovered.

Boulware was initially called for targeting on the play, but replay officials reversed the call giving Clemson the ball back to preserve its 21-3 lead.

Watson was 7-of-13 in the opening half for 162 yards and two touchdowns, while Gallman has five carries for 78 yards.

–Photo credit Stew Mine-USA TODAY Sports