CLEMSON – Senior safety Michael Hamlin had four interceptions in 13 games as a junior.

If Saturday is any indication, he’ll smash that career-high mark this fall.

Hamlin picked off three Bart Blanchard passes in Clemson’s 45-17 win over The Citadel, tying a Clemson single-game record held by four other players, most recently Alex Ardley against Maryland in 2000.

“Coach Vic (Koenning) stressed the fact that we were giving (offenses) too much cushion,” Hamlin said. “My thing was to tighten down, play them a little tighter.”

Two of the interceptions stuffed Citadel drives within two minutes of game time – one to close the first half at the Clemson 3 and the other two minutes into the third quarter at the Clemson 45. His combined 66 interception return yards moved him from eighth to second on Clemson’s all-time interception yardage list.

The third – midway through the third quarter – set up Clemson’s fifth score of the day. One play after Hamlin returned the ball to The Citadel’s 26, Cullen Harper connected with Michael Palmer for a 26-yard touchdown and 35-7 lead.

“I’ve never had three interceptions before,” Hamlin said. “It felt like a dream out there.”

Maners returns: Senior punter Jimmy Maners reclaimed his starting job – at least for now – after losing it last week to true freshman Dawson Zimmerman. Maners (who averaged 40.9 yards per kick as a junior) entered late in the second quarter for a 41-yard boot. It was Clemson’s only punt of the day.

Power sputters, then returns: Memorial Stadium and the entire Clemson campus lost power approximately an hour before the 3:30 p.m. kickoff for unknown reasons, but power was restored approximately 20 minutes later with no effects on the game.

Freshmen debut: Defensive tackle Brandon Thompson became Clemson’s seventh true freshman to see action when he entered the game early in the first half. Thompson backed up nose tackle Dorell Scott, and was pressed into action by defensive tackle Jamie Cumbie’s season-ending broken wrist. Safety/linebacker Daniel Andrews became the eighth freshman early in the fourth quarter.

Hutchinson returns: Senior Bobby Hutchinson – originally slated to spend the season as a student assistant coach – entered the game late in the third quarter centering the second-team offensive line. Hutchinson was pressed into action following Barry Humphries’ knee injury, which will sideline him 4-6 weeks. The rest of the second-team line featured freshman Landon Walker, junior Jamarcus Grant, freshman Wilson Norris and freshman Antoine McClain.

Linthicum absent: Sophomore tight end Brian Linthicum missed the game for personal reasons and is expected to transfer following a meeting with coach Tommy Bowden. Linthicum had three touchdowns in 2007 but had been passed on the depth chart by junior Durrell Barry, who backed up Palmer Saturday. Bowden said after the game that he would meet with Linthicum “Monday or Tuesday.”

Streak gone: When Andre Roberts broke a 41-yard touchdown with 1:42 left in the first half, it marked The Citadel’s first touchdown on Clemson since 1976. The Bulldogs hadn’t scored a point against Clemson since 1978.