Clemson running back Will Shipley approaching C.J. Spiller's freshman marks
COLUMBIA – Clemson running backs coach C.J. Spiller expressed a lot of faith in freshman running back Will Shipley before the season began.
Now we know why.
Clemson rode Shipley early and often en route to a 30-0 victory against rival South Carolina Saturday night at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Live updates: Clemson still dominating South Carolina through three quarters
Led by Shipley, who had 128 yards and a touchdown, Clemson amassed 265 yards rushing -- its second-highest total of the season, coming on the heels of a 333-yard rushing output in last week's romp against Wake Forest.
It marked Shipley’s third 100-yard game in the Tigers’ last four games, making him the first Clemson player to have three 100-yard games as a freshman since C.J. Spiller in 2006.
“We knew were going to have to run the ball, considering where we were from a personnel standpoint at wideout,” offensive coordinator Tony Elliott said. “We wanted to establish the run and we got off to a fast start. We got good push and the backs were able to get going and get some momentum before any contact and our offensive line established the line of scrimmage from the get-go.”
Sophomore Kobe Pace also got in the act, rushing for 54 yards on only five carries, including a 34-yard touchdown. Pace was coming off a 191-yard, two-touchdown performance in the Tigers’ rout of Wake Forest last week.
Shipley and Pace have formed a formidable pairing.
“We bounce things off one another,” Shipley said. “It’s a great relationship and it’s continuing to get better and better. He makes it easier for me to produce. It takes some of the weight off.”
Shipley and Pace have keyed a resurgent ground game for Clemson that has produced an averaged of 208 yards per game during the Tigers’ five-game winning streak.
And don't forget about freshman Phil Mafah, who added 43 yards and a touchdown Saturday night.
"Don't overlook my man Phil," Elliott said. "The humility they have. to go to work every single day is pretty special.
"It's going to be a fun, three-headed monster that C.J. is going to have next season and in the future."
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson freshman Will Shipley approaching C.J. Spiller's rookie mark
