Associated Press
CLEMSON, S.C. ó Clemson has already showcased its offensive speed and defensive power. Now, the Tigers have unveiled a big-time finisher in kicker Richard Jackson.
Jackson had a school-record tying six field goals as Clemson’s defense held Boston College to 55 yards in a 25-7 victory Saturday.
“Stella found her groove; Richard Jackson’s found his groove,” coach Dabo Swinney said.
Jackson connected on all his kicks. He hit field goals of 23, 33, 32, 52, 42 and 35 yards. He’s gone 8-of-8 the past two games and has nailed one of at least 50 yards in each.
“It’s just confidence,” Jackson said.
Jackson signed with Clemson (2-1, 1-1 ACC) as a YouTube sensation, his 64-yard field goal as a senior at Riverside establishing a South Carolina prep record.
But he struggled.
“I had bought him a bus ticket out of here,” Swinney said. “He wasn’t doing things right.”
Jackson, his rhythm and self-worth crumbling, thought about finding a new school. Instead, he decided he would work hard and win his place on the team.
“It’s an honor to do what I’m doing,” he said.
C.J. Spiller, meanwhile, did what he typically does, finishing with 219 all-purpose yards, including a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown ó his first.
It was the fifth way Spiller has accounted for a score with the Tigers after collecting touchdowns via rush, catch, kickoff return and, last year against Virginia, throwing on a halfback pass. Spiller has 15 touchdowns of 50 or more yards in his career.