Stoffel Vandoorne thinks hes already proven to McLaren he has similar speed to Fernando Alonso and Jesnon Button as he continues pushing for a 2017 race seat.McLaren reserve Vandoorne won a record-breaking GP2 crown last year but remains uncertain of his F1 future, with a drive at the team hinging on whether it decides to drop Jenson Button for 2017. The Belgian deputised for the injured Fernando Alonso at the Bahrain Grand Prix this year and scored points on his debut with a strong drive to ninth position.The Belgian drove for McLaren at Silverstone during Wednesdays test, and also took part in the Barcelona test in May, and believes he has shown McLaren what he is capable of with his time in the car.Asked if he felt like McLarens engineers valued his feedback, he replied: Yes I see no reason why not. Ive driven an F1 grand prix, quite a few days in an F1 car now and proven I have a similar speed to [Alonso and Button].Vandoorne is unlikely to know his future until McLaren has decided on Button, who has been linked with a return to Williams in recent weeks. In the past two seasons McLaren has waited late to confirm -- it only decided on its 2015 line-up in December of the previous year, leaving Kevin Magnussen without a drive after being dropped in favour of Button.When asked if he has to wait for McLaren to make a choice, he replied: The main goal is to be in F1 next year, that hasnt changed, I am contracted to McLaren and I want to be with this team next year. Ive spent a lot of time with the team and engineers and feel weve been through a perfect preparation.There is not much more I can really do to get the drive now. I would love to race for this team but Ive always said if for some reason it doesnt become possible I am positive that there are other options available.Vandoorne is currently competing in Super Formula in Japan alongside his reserve driver commitments and believes he has a lot of interested observers in the paddock.I think everybody is interested in what I am doing. This year I see as a preparation year for next year and my main focus is still to get an F1 drive next year. I will focus on my role as the reserve driver but having a racing programme alongside that is a good benefit to stay race fit and sharp in any case I need to jump in the car. . LOUIS -- St. . JOHNS, N. . Patrice Bergeron and Daniel Paille scored 20 seconds apart a few minutes after Stamkos was taken off the ice on a stretcher with a broken right leg, and the Bruins beat the Lightning 3-0 on Monday afternoon. . Miller finished in two minutes, 6.09 seconds, one day before the first medal race on the Alpine schedule. The 36-year-old American also turned in the top time in Thursdays opening training session. . Denis Coderre, the former federal MP who was elected mayor on Nov. 3, has drawn the ire of some Montreal Canadiens. During last nights game he tweeted: "Hello? Can we get a one-way ticket to (minor-league) Hamilton for David Desharnais please. CLEMSON, S.C. -- Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson knew when the fourth-ranked Tigers work was done against South Carolina -- and shared that with the huge, appreciative crowd at Death Valley.Watson, playing his final home game, threw his third TD pass of the opening quarter for a 21-0 lead Saturday night, then placed his hands together and leaned his head against them as if to say, Nighty night.The Gamecocks never woke up after that in Clemsons 56-7 domination, the teams largest margin of victory in the rivalry since a 51-0 win in 1900.Watson tied his career high with six touchdowns passes, three to Mike Williams in Clemsons latest step toward the College Football Playoff.Offensively, those guys have had some incredible games in Death Valley, Clemson co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott said. We challenged them, `Hey, lets make this last one the best one.It be hard to find another that meant as much to the Tigers (11-1, No. 4 CFP), who only need to defeat Virginia Tech in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game next Saturday night to lock up a playoff spot.Watson pledged before he came hed never lose to the Gamecocks (6-6) and leaves 3-0, the junior heading to the NFL after this season.We wanted to jump on these boys real quick, Watson said. Thats the motto every game, put pressure on them and have them back on their heels.Watson finished with 347 yards and matched the six TDs he threw in his first college start against North Carolina in 2014. He also likely crept a bit closer in the Heisman Trophy race to Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson, whose team lost for a second straight week.Watson and the Tigers also wiped out memories of their last Death Valley game, a stunning, 43-42 loss to underdog Pitt -- Clemsons first home loss in more than three years.We started the ball rolling last week and were keeping the ball rolling, center Jay Guillermo said. Were hitting our stride at a good time.Watson and Williams got things going with a 34-yard TD catch. Then Williams dragged South Carolinas Jamarcus King on his for several yards during a 19-yard scoring catch. By the time Jordan Leggett scored on a wide open 11-yard grab, Clemson was in front to stay and Gamecocks defenders were yelling at each other.Wayne Gallman rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown. Williams caught six passes for 100 yards.Clemsons defense held the Gamecocks to 62 yards in thhe first half and posted its biggest margin of victory in the series since a 51-0 win in 1900.ddddddddddddSouth Carolina avoided the shutout in the third quarter on a 33-yard halfback pass from Deebo Samuel to Bryan EdwardsTheres not a lot to say, Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp said. On the road recruiting tomorrow, thats the way well change our program.THE TAKEAWAYSouth Carolina certainly made strides over the second half with young players on offense like quarterback Jake Bentley and tailback Rico Dowdle. The Gamecocks will need to add a lot more talent on both sides of the ball before it can match up with the Tigers. Another month of practice and a favorable bowl opponent would still leave South Carolina feeling good about its progress this season.Clemson found its dominating form in its final home game of the season after its stunning, 43-42 fall to Pitt the last time here two weeks ago. More importantly, the Tigers showed a resolved it will need for a second straight trip to the College Football Playoff. If Clemson shows the same drive against Virginia Tech, theres no doubt it will play once again for a national title.POLL IMPLICATIONSLook for Clemson to move up a spot with No. 3 Michigans loss to second-ranked Ohio State.CELEBRATIONSClemson coach Dabo Swinney gave his seniors a lasting goodbye, allowing them to come on the field together before a fourth-quarter series, break the huddle and wave to the crowd before coming out of the game. He also had his defensive starters take an offside penalty so they, too, could leave to the cheers of 81,542 at Death Valley. Is this something South Carolina coach Will Muschamp will remember?It is what it is, he said.INJURIESSouth Carolina freshman quarterback Jake Bentley did not return for the second half after what Muschamp said was a knee injury. He said Bentley had trouble pushing off it and the coach did not want to take a chance of hurting it further with the Gamecocks down 35-0 at the break.UP NEXTSouth Carolina will await its bowl destination, the most likely choice the Independence Bowl.Clemson will face Virginia Tech in the ACC championship game in Orlando, Florida, next Saturday night.---More AP college football:
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