Clemson routs Oklahoma 40-6 in Russell Athletic

Orlando, Fla. (AP) — Cole Stoudt threw for three touchdowns and ran for another, and 18th-ranked Clemson routed Oklahoma 40-6 in the Russell Athletic Bowl on Monday.

The Tigers (10-3) reached double-digit victories for the fourth consecutive season. Clemson was 10-4 in 2011, 11-2 in 2012 and 11-2 in 2013.

Stoudt was 26 for 36 for a season-high 319 yards. He was sacked four times, but Clemson never turned the ball over. Meanwhile, the Tigers, who came in ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense, held the Sooners' offense to just 275 yards.

Oklahoma (8-5) had five turnovers, including three interceptions by Trevor Knight.

The Sooners entered the game averaging nearly 40 points but didn't score until late in the fourth quarter.

The Tigers' scoring drives were all at least 50 yards.

Clemson was efficient in all phases but was also the beneficiary of three early Sooners turnovers in building a 27-0 halftime lead. A 47-yard interception return for a touchdown by Ben Boulware was part of a 17-point first quarter.

Stoudt completed his first six passes and finished the half with a pair of touchdown throws — a 65-yarder to Artavis Scott and a 26-yarder to Mike Williams.

Tigers kicker Ammon Lapkip also did his part to deepen the hole for Oklahoma, connecting on a pair of field goals, including a career long from 49 yards in the second quarter.

The Sooners were out of sync on both sides of the ball during the opening 30 minutes.

Knight was just 5 for 14, with a pair of interceptions. Samaje Perine rushed for 62 yards but also had a fumble inside the Tigers 25 that ended the Sooners' best drive late in the second quarter.

Trailing 20-0, Oklahoma's defense nearly grabbed a bit of momentum when defensive end Charles Tapper appeared to tip, intercept and return Stoudt's pass for a touchdown. But the play was called back for offside.

Stoudt then promptly hooked up with Williams for the Tigers' final scoring play of the half.

By Kyle Hightower, Associated Press. Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – December 29, 2014 @ 8:20am