Stock Report: Travis Etienne ends career with quiet Sugar Bowl

Travis Etienne was used sparingly against Ohio State

Clemson running back Travis Etienne has more than likely played his final collegiate football game. Etienne, a senior, has the opportunity to return for another season due to new eligibility rules in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is widely expected that he will be leaving school and entering the 2021 NFL draft. If that is the case, his final game was…odd.

In the college football playoff semifinal, the Clemson Tigers fell to the Ohio State Buckeyes by a score of 49-28. The Buckeyes did everything they could to shut down Clemson’s running game, and after a 21 pound second quarter for Ohio State, the Tigers abandoned the run.

Etienne finished the game with 10 carries for 32 yards and a touchdown. At just 3.2 yards per carry, it was perhaps his worst rushing game of his legendary college career at Clemson. With that being said, it’s hard to get into any type of rhythm while getting only ten carries, and one of them being just a quick handoff to close out the first half. Through the air, Etienne hauled in four catches for 64 yards, showcasing the receiving ability that has improved dramatically throughout his college career.

Stock after this game?

Should one game impact his draft stock in any way?

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No, it really shouldn’t and most likely won’t. However, it’s worth noting that he was ineffective while Najee Harris, who appears to be his main competition for the first running back off the board, had a stellar 15 carry, 125 yard game against Notre Dame.

Joe Marino of The Draft Network gives his thoughts on Etienne:

"“His burst and contact balance make him a big-play back that is capable of taking it the distance from any part of the field. While he’s an explosive back, Etienne is disciplined and doesn’t try to do too much and put his team in bad positions. He’s grown wonderfully as a receiver and is a nightmare matchup for linebackers in coverage. The primary area of concern for Etienne is inconsistent results in pass protection.”"

Etienne has proved more than enough in college, but it is rather disappointing to see him finish a stellar career with a lackluster statistical performance.