McDowell makes his mark for 4th-ranked Clemson

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Rod McDowell showed he was ready to step into the backfield for No. 4 Clemson. Now, he’s out to prove he can do it all season long. McDowell, nicknamed “Hot Rod” since high school, ran for 132 yards in his first career start to help the Tigers beat No. 11 Georgia 38-35 last Saturday night. He had spent four seasons waiting on the Clemson sidelines behind NFL backs C.J. Spiller, Jamie Harper and Andre Ellington and excelled against the Bulldogs with 132 yards. McDowell and the Tigers (1-0) take on FCS opponent South Carolina State (0-1) on Saturday. McDowell talked to Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris about transferring two years ago, yet decided to stick it out when Morris and his family convinced the fifth-year senior his time was coming.