One week after being pummeled by Florida State, Duke was once again pummeled on Saturday by another top 25 ranked ACC opponent. The Blue Devils lost at home to Clemson, 56-20.

The Tigers put up big play after big play early and often, led by quarterback Tajh Boyd.

The Duke defense had Clemson at a third and 12 spot, but Boyd connected on a 34 yard pass (they later scored). On their next possession, after Duke got on the scoreboard with a field goal, Boyd connected with DeAndre Hopkins on a 58 yard touchdown pass.

After Duke quarterback Sean Renfree (yes he was back after last week’s concussion) had his own big play: a 77 yard TD pass to Jamison Crowder to make it 14-10, Boyd connected with Hopkins again. This time, it was a 45 yard TD pass.

On Clemson’s next possession, Boyd threw a 30 yard touchdown pass, this time to Sammy Watkins, to give the Tigers a 28-10 lead in the closing seconds of the first quarter.

In the middle of the second quarter, Boyd threw another long TD pass, this time for 41 yards. Late in the quarter, he ran for 21 yards to score another touchdown.

Clemson finished the game with 718 total yards. Boyd accounted for 416 of those yards. He also had five touchdowns.

On Duke’s side, they accumulated 342 yards, but just 85 yards rushing. Josh Snead had three carries for 27 yards and Jela Duncan had 28 yards on six carries.

Renfree had a decent game, as he completed 23-of-39 passes for 240 yards. Crowder caught seven passes for 167 yards and a touchdown. Conner Vernon had five catches for 47 yards. David Reeves caught two passes for 21 yards, including a 17 yard TD pass from Brandon Connette.

On a positive note, kicker Ross Martin hit a career-best in field goals, twice. In the first quarter, he kicked a 46 yarder. In the third quarter, he topped that by kicking a 47 yard FG. That is his new career-long.

*Duke now has a week off before heading to Georgia Tech on November 17th. The two teams are currently tied for third place in the ACC’s Coastal Division at 3-3.