Monday Mailbox: 7/6/15 Edition

Every Monday, we have started a mailbox where we will field answers to your questions, whatever they may be pertaining to Clemson University, athletics, or sports in general throughout the week.

If you have a question, you can tweet us @rubbingtherock, leave a comment on an article, give us a message on Facebook, or email it in at rubbingtherock@fansided.com.

Georgia Tech. What can we expect out of this game and will we play them twice this season?

"Andrew: You always know what you’re going to get when you play the Yellow Jackets. A pesky little offense that can kill you if you don’t get your defense off the field. This season, Georgia Tech has the ability to be a top-15 team even though they lost their top five rushers from a season ago (minus quarterback Justin Thomas) and look to be primed to make another run. If Clemson beats FSU this season I would say there is a 95% chance they face the Yellow Jackets again. I don’t see many other teams coming out of the Coastal, but you never know in that division.Ty: After games with Louisville and Notre Dame, Clemson will play Ga Tech on Oct. 10th. The importance of this game could be elevated if they come into the contest at 3-1 or 2-2. Clemson is 11-6 at home against the Jackets since they became ACC foes and I think they will be 12-6 after this season. Even if the defense struggles against Tech’s option offense, the Clemson offense won’t be stopped and will secure the win."

Clemson could definitely see Tech again in the ACC championship game if they can go undefeated in conference play because the Jackets are favored to win their division. A meeting in the championship would be the first since the now vacated 2009 Ga Tech victory.

More from Rubbing the Rock

Other than South Carolina, who is Clemson’s biggest rival in your opinion?

"Andrew: In my opinion, Florida State is the biggest rival other than South Carolina that the Tigers have. If Clemson played Georgia more often, like they did in the ’80s and ’90s, I would consider the Bulldogs the biggest rival, but there’s no consistency in playing between the two schools. Clemson plays Florida State ever single year and, for the last four or five years, the two have competed for the ACC Atlantic Championship. Tiger fans hate the Seminoles and Seminole fans hate the Tigers. It is, without a doubt, a great rivalry.Ty: I had to go with the Georgia Bulldogs and Ga Tech. We have a lot of history with both teams but not a lot of success. I won’t list the lopsided W-L’s against these teams and I know Tigernation will thank me. Motivation, location, and passion to beat the neighbors make them natural rivals."

What are your thoughts on Clemson’s front-seven this year?

"Andrew: The problem with the front-seven is that guys are unproven. There is no lack of talent there, just a lack of experience. A lot of those guys have played in big time situations before, but many have not had consistent snaps as a starter, which they will get to do this season. I like the front-seven, obviously it will not be the best in the nation, but there is still a lot of talent in the defensive line and the linebackers and I expect Clemson’s front line to be much better than the national media are saying they will be.Ty: The biggest concern is the lack of playing experience with the front seven. I’m not as worried about the defensive line as I am about the linebackers. B.J. Goodson and Ben Boulware have to stay healthy because there isn’t much depth or experience behind them. Goodson is the only senior and Boulware is one of two juniors. Don’t be surprised to see grayshirts, twins J.D. Davis and Judah Davis, and Jalen Williams get some playing time. Williams is tough and instinctive and he will play this season barring injury but the Davis twins will only play if there is a rash of injuries. The linebacker position is so important in run support and in the medium passing game so fans need to pray for a heathy season from this group."

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