Life University won their first Varsity undergrad game of the 2015-16 school year, weathering a tough first half to defeat Clemson 43-0 at Clemson Friday night.

The two teams battled in the first half, with the Running Eagles holding a slim 5-0 lead at the break thanks to a try from sophomore Duncan Van Schalkwyk. Clemson hung tough until the 50th minute, when a Life try seemed to open the floodgates.

"We had a lot of missed tackles," said Clemson Head Coach Steve Lynch, who also acknowledged that his starters began to tire nearing the final quarter of the game.

Lynch ran on the subs for fresh legs, but the damage had been done, with six tries coming in the space of just over 20 minutes. Clemson held firm the last seven to keep Life under 50.

Tries for Life came from Duncan Van Schalkwyk, Jake Anderson, Conner Mooneyham (twice), Kevin Lynch (the son of the opposing coach), Cody Melphy, and Marcus Walsh.

Life Head Coach Scott Lawrence said the second-half barrage was the result of his players sorting out difficulties they were having with Clemson's counter-rucking, and lining up the forwards outside the flyhalf to spread the attack.

"We made a couple of adjustments to nullify their No. 8 and outside center, and focused more on ball retention."

Meanwhile, the Clemson coach summed it up:

"Fitness was the story of the day," said Lynch. "With Life being the beneficiary."