Clemson's Lawrence, Etienne dominate Miami in top-10 rout

So much for a slog in the rain in that third quarter. And so much for a Miami comeback.

Travis Etienne's ridiculous 72-yard touchdown run sparked Clemson to increase its lead and seemingly pull away in the third quarter. Etienne is up to 133 rushing yards and 51 receiving yards, joining forces with QB Trevor Lawrence (247 passing yards, 2 touchdowns and 35 rushing yards, TD).

Miami had its chances to cut into Clemson's lead, even pushing its total to three blocked field goals in the game. But the Hurricanes got stuffed on fourth-and-1 and threw an interception on consecutive drives.

But the story of the quarter is clearly Etienne's run.

TOUCHDOWN TIGERS!

72 yards for Travis Etienne!#RunETN

Watch live on ABC or here: https://t.co/lu6NuCdXJ2 pic.twitter.com/tcgsEAnuPU

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) October 11, 2020

Going into the game, Miami wanted to prove it was back among the elite. Right now, Clemson has a hold on the game, but Miami isn't done yet.

The top-ranked Tigers had 50 offensive plays in the first half to Miami's 21, with Trevor Lawrence controlling play on his 243 passing yards.

But Miami's special teams are making a difference.

The Hurricanes' Bubba Bolden blocked B.T. Potter's first field goal before Jared Harrison-Hunte blocked Potter's 61-yard attempt on the final play of the half. DJ Ivey picked up the ball and returned it for a score.

Looking at the box score, it doesn't look like Clemson would be up "only" 11. But that's where we're at. The big second half questions are if Miami can make some defensive stands and if the offense and run more plays and sustain drives.

Things going as most expected, at least early on.

Trevor Lawrence went a perfect 7-for-7 for 61 yards to start the game, using a calm, deliberate passing game to drive down the field against Miami. He connected with five players on the first drive.

Defensively, Clemson's already shown an edge, with Baylon Spector ending the first series with a sack. Right now, the Tigers aren't having a tough time putting pressure on QB D'Eriq King.

Baylon Spector with 1.5 sacks and 3 tackles on the first series, including a sack on 3rd down to force a punt!

Clemson defense holds strong, offense takes over at 11-yd line.

💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/fdjbbuPQ56

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) October 11, 2020

The 2020 season continues to surprise us every Saturday. Could Miami add to that tonight at Clemson?

Five ranked teams have lost today, with No. 21 Texas A&M surprising No. 4 Florida, No. 8 North Carolina outscoring No. 19 Virginia Tech, Missouri shocking No. 17 LSU, Oklahoma defeating rival No. 22 Texas in 4OT and No. 3 Georgia dominating the second half against No. 14 Tennessee.

But a Clemson loss would make the above scores a footnote on the day's action. The No. 1 ranked Tigers haven't lost at home since falling to Pitt on Nov. 12, 2016.

Be great, one-six. pic.twitter.com/JUwaZPNbBr

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) October 10, 2020

OK, Miami. Here's your chance.

In the SEC, facing Alabama is the best prove-it stage. In the ACC, it's Clemson.

The Tigers have won five consecutive ACC titles, reached the College Football Playoff five years in a row and have won two of the last four national titles. Oh, and they're also No. 1 this season with Heisman contenders Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne

Miami has its own rich history with five national crowns, but the Hurricanes haven't even won a conference title since 2003 — when they were in the Big East. And in Miami's lone ACC Championship Game appearance, it lost to Clemson 38-3 in 2017.

But all those past numbers won't matter. Miami says this season is different. Through three games, the Hurricanes have big wins against UAB, at Louisville and vs. Florida State. Houston transfer QB D'Eriq King has 736 passing yards and six touchdowns without an interception while also rushing for 157 yards and a score.

Then there's Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, with his 848 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns. King will have to outperform or at least play even with Lawrence to give Miami a chance.

Overall, the teams have similar numbers. Both average more than 40 points per game while allowing less than 20, though Clemson's 12 allowed per game is a touchdown better.

That Tigers defense could end up being the difference. The typically Clemson front has allowed only 90 rushing yards per game on 2.2 yards per attempt. King's ability will add a new twist to defend, but the Tigers' overall balance may be too much.

However, if things break right for the Hurricanes, they may get a rematch for the ACC title in December.

While Clemson has been ranked No. 1 in both the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll all season, Miami has climbed from outside the polls to into the top 10 after three lopsided wins.

Here are the 16 AP Top 25 teams playing in Week 6:

• No. 7 Miami (Fla.) at No. 1 Clemson | 7:30 p.m. | ABC
• No. 2 Alabama at Ole Miss | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN
• No. 14 Tennessee at No. 3 Georgia | 3:30 p.m. | CBS
• No. 4 Florida at No. 21 Texas A&M | 12:00 p.m. | ESPN
• Florida State at No. 5 Notre Dame | 7 p.m. | NBC 
• No. 19 Virginia Tech at No. 8 North Carolina | 12 p.m. | ABC 
• Arkansas at No. 13 Auburn | 4 p.m. | SEC Network
• UTSA at No. 15 BYU | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN2 
• No. 17 LSU at Missouri | 12 p.m. | SEC ALT
• No. 22 Texas vs. Oklahoma (Dallas, Texas) | 12 p.m. | Fox
• Coastal Carolina at No. 23 Louisiana | 12:00 p.m. | ESPN2
• Texas Tech at No. 24 Iowa State | 3:30 p.m. | ABC

Click or tap here for more poll information, including receiving votes.

Here's the tale of the tape in the top-10 meeting: