Clemson Tigers

Clemson's late-game poise is something special

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Say what you will about Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson, but one thing that cannot be denied about the young man: his clutch gene allele is of the dominant variety.

In Clemson’s thrilling 37-34 win over the Florida State Seminoles, like he has done several times before, Watson remained calm late in the game and led his troops on an epic march to victory.

FTW ???? pic.twitter.com/T8kAuV6jT2

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) October 30, 2016

Trailing by five with under three and a half minutes to play, the Tigers had all of the momentum inside of the raucous Doak Campbell Stadium working against them and working for the ‘Noles.

However, Watson’s impressive poise made itself evident, as the gunslinger executed a quick five-play, 75-yard touchdown drive in under a minute and a half of game time.

Despite struggling with certain facets of his game that once came easy to him, Watson has never wavered in his excellence down the stretch in close games this season. In fact, Watson’s poise has been the defining factor for a Tiger squad that is now 8-0 and slated to be projected in the first College Football Playoff lineup on Tuesday.

With deadly accuracy and a rapid release, Watson has shone the brightest in crucial situations throughout this season, particularly against formidable opponents.

On the defensive side of the ball, far too many big plays have been allowed in 2016, but, at the end of games, the defense has been stellar. In Saturday’s electrifying matchup, the pass rush was so explosive on FSU’s final possession, the Seminoles were unable to settle into any type of rhythm.

EIGHT different Clemson players with a tackle for loss tonight…

Clemson Defense = ???? pic.twitter.com/HIELH7pfkB

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) October 30, 2016

Featuring the undisputed most talented defensive line in the nation, Clemson pushes opposing quarterbacks to their limits. Just like they did with Lamar Jackson of the Louisville Cardinals, the Clemson pass rushing unit gave FSU quarterback Deondre Francois no wiggle room whatsoever in the latter portion of the fourth quarter.

Yes, there were several blown assignments and coverages by the Tigers against the Seminoles, but, for the most part, the defense, like Watson, was clutch late. Even though Clemson has been tested several times this season, due in large part to self-inflicted wounds, the Tigers’ late-game poise is something special and something that could very well propel them to a national title.