Watch: Clemson CB hustles to force touchdown-saving fumble vs. No. 20 UNC
Already down 7-0 early against No. 20 North Carolina, Clemson was staring a two-touchdown deficit in the face until junior cornerback Nate Wiggins came to the rescue, making perhaps the hustle play of the year in college football.
Near the end of the first quarter, North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton broke loose for what looked to be a 64-yard touchdown sprint. However, Wiggins chased him down from behind, forcing a fumble before Hampton could cross the goal line.
The initial call on the field was a touchdown, but an official review reversed the ruling, taking points off the board for North Carolina while giving Clemson possession. The hustle play is old hat for Wiggins, who made a similar play in Week 7 against Miami, catching up to speedy wideout Brashard Smith.
For Hampton, it was his second lost fumble of the day. Worse yet, both occurred inside the five-yard line. Hampton's uncharacteristic blunders prevented the Tar Heels from burying the Tigers early in a must-win game for North Carolina as they look to secure a spot in the ACC Championship Game. Entering Saturday's action, Hampton had yet to fumble on the season, going 208 carries without one until the first quarter against Clemson.
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