When Clemson and Georgia Tech face off each year, Tiger fans know their team is going to be in for a fight. This year appears to be different but even in years when this game has been a mismatch, the game has usually been close.
Clemson's Offense vs. Georgia Tech's Defense
Georgia Tech is coming off a loss in which its defense gave up 49 points to a mid major school in Middle Tennessee. The Tigers will aim to have a balanced attack using Andre Ellington to run and heavy doses of DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins in the passing game. Clemson's offense could have a field day against the Tech D especially if they are able to eliminate turnovers. The Yellow Jackets have had success creating turnovers and most of their turnovers has led to touchdowns for their offense. Forcing turnovers appear to be the only way the Tech defense can hang with Clemson.
Clemson's Defense vs. Georgia Tech's Offense
Tech's option attack has always caused problems and confusion for Clemson. Clemson hopes that Venables schemes will be better suited to slow down the option. Tevin Washington will have to make the right decisions in determining what option to go with and will need to lead Tech into the end zone often if they hope to win. Orwin Smith will be a factor as he likes to run outside which Clemson struggles to stop. Clemson's linebackers will need to react quickly, otherwise, Smith to break for big yardage.
Special Teams
Clemson should have the advantage in the kicking game. Tech kicker David Scully has had only 2 opportunities to make kicks this year and has not had to make any under pressure while Clemson's Chandler Catanzaro has. The return game could be a game changer as Orwin Smith and Sammy Watkins are playmakers.
X Factor
In a game that features two powerful offenses, this game will come down to the defense that will get the stops. These offenses are very capable of scoring on nearly every drive so getting 3 or 4 stops could be huge. Which defense will be able to create turnovers allowing their offense to take over with good field position? When these 2 offenses get good field position they normally get touchdowns.
Prediction
This is going to be a high scoring affair. No matter their records, Georgia Tech and Clemson manage to play a close game. Tajh Boyd wants to make up for a bad game against the Yellow Jackets last season. He has been able to make good decisions by not throwing into coverage and has avoided numerous sacks to avoid obvious passing situations. He and Clemson should be able to move the ball easily but so with the Yellow Jackets. A few turnovers could make the difference in this game but Clemson should be able to pull away late. Clemson wins 52-38.
Back to the Clemson Tigers Newsfeed