Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.college
Subject: Greatest of the Eighties (BOWL BOUND)
From: mbs@zycor.lgc.com (Matt Shostak)
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 13:54:55 GMT
Organization: Landmark/Zycor   Austin, Texas


Clemson Tops Michigan, 21 - 7


The 1981 Clemson Tigers stopped Bo Schembechler and his 1985 Michigan
Wolverines in the second semifinal of our Greatest of the Eighties
(BOWL BOUND) tournament, ending what had been a Cinderella story for
the Maize and Blue, who won their previous two contests on last-second
field goals. 

Things looked bleak for Michigan early on.  After failing to gain a first
down on their opening series, they punted, and Clemson took over at their
own 49.  Eight straight running plays covered the 51 yards to put the
Wolverines down by 7.  After Michigan again failed to gain a first down,
the Tigers took over on their own 43.  Six running plays and an offsides
penalty gave Clemson a 14 point lead.  TB Cliff Austin highlighted 
the first two drives with runs of 18, 19, and 23 yards, although the first
touchdown was scored by FB Jeff McCall and the second by QB Homer Jordan,
each from 1 yard out.

Although Michigan showed some signs of life on offense as the half wore
on, Clemson had an excellent opportunity to take a 21 point lead in the 
second quarter.  Starting at their own 35, Jordan hit WR Perry Tuttle
for a quick gain of 26.  A late hit 2 plays later gave the Tigers a
first down at the Michigan 22.  Six plays later, on 3rd and 11 from
the 12 yard line, Jordan was intercepted by Brad Cochran.  The Wolverines
had averted disaster.

On their last possession of the first half, Michigan got moving.  From
their own 29, Jamie Morris and Gerald White took turns hammering the ball
inside.  Morris capped the 13-play drive with a 32-yard scamper to pull
the Wolverines within a touchdown, 14-7.

The second half started well for Clemson, as TB Chuck McSwain keyed a
10-play drive with runs of 23 and 22 yards.  Michigan held at their own
27, however, and the 44-yard field goal attempt by Donald Igwebuike was
wide right.  Bo's offensive troops were consistenly frustrated by the
Tigers, and could not capitalize.  They only gained 2 first downs on their
first 4 possessions of the second half.  The Tiger ground game ate up
yardage and the clock, and on their 4th possession of the second half
Austin ran for 20, McSwain rumbled for 22, and Austin crashed into the
endzone from 13-yards to highlight a 9-play, 85-yard drive.  Their
21-7 lead appeared insurmountable.

Now well into the fourth quarter, Michigan went for it on 4th and 3 at
their own 41, but White was dropped for a loss of 4.  Clemson looked
ready to cash in.  Danny Ford opted to go for it on 4th and 1 at the 
Michigan 28 in order to take more time off the clock, and got a first
down at the 15.  His offense was stopped again, however, and this time
he chose to kick a field goal.  The 32-yard attempt was blocked, and
the Wolverines took over at their 33.  Needing two scores, Morris
dashed for 14 yards and a first down.  Harbaugh then hit WR Paul Jokisch
for 22.  WR John Kolesar nabbed the next attempt for 13.  Three runs
gained a first down at the Clemson 6.  Morris then lost 4, and Harbaugh
was sacked for a loss of 8, and Clemson took over on downs at the 8 yard
line.  Homer Jordan fell on the ball 3 times to run out the clock.

With the victory Clemson advances to the final where they meet the
1980 Georgia Bulldogs.


              1     2     3     4        Final
             ^^^   ^^^   ^^^   ^^^       ^^^^^
Clemson      14     0     0     7          21
Michigan      0     7     0     0           7


                    Clemson                 Michigan
First downs:           19                      14
Rushing:            65-336, 3TD             48-136, 1TD
Passing:            3-7-37, 1INT            9-18-109
Return yards:          24                      61
Penalties:            10-69                    5-40
Sacks allowed:         0-0                   3-(-13)
Fumbles-lost:          0-0                     0-0
Possession:           32:50                   27:10
FGM-FGA:               0-2, 1BLK               0-0






-- 
Matthew B. Shostak              Landmark/Zycor
mbs@zycor.lgc.com               (512) 292-2357
"So you think you are strong because you can survive the soft cushions.
 Well, we shall see." -- Cardinal Ximinez