CLEMSON – Travis Etienne ran over the hearts of Syracuse defenders, into the hearts of Clemson fans and directly into the Heisman Trophy conversation.
Or, at the very least, people should start realizing Etienne is one of the best running backs in the country.
The sophomore out of Louisiana ran for a career-high 203 yards on a career-high 27 carries, scoring three touchdowns and averaging 7.5 yards per carry. He had 86 yards in the fourth quarter alone, leading No. 3 Clemson to a come-from-behind 27-23 victory over Syracuse.
Etienne’s 200-yard rushing performance was only the 16th 200-yard rushing game in Clemson history and the first since Andre Ellington’s 228-yard effort against Auburn in the 2012 season opener.