Clemson Football vs. Wofford: Keys to the Game

Nov 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Stephone Anthony (42) tackles Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Broderick Snoddy (22) in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Key 4: Stop the Triple-Option

Key #4 to this game is stopping the triple-option. Now, I know you may be thinking this is an obvious one when you face a team like the Terriers who run the triple-option. In my opinion, however, this is a dress rehearsal for Georgia Tech. Wofford likes to run a ton of different formations and spreads the ball out with different runners. Their offense is somewhat similar to what the Yellow Jackets run and this may give us a glimpse as to how Clemson’s defense will fair this season against Georgia Tech.

Keep in mind, Clemson plays Georgia Tech the week after Notre Dame, so a lot of what the coaches have taught the defense for this game will be relied upon when the Tigers play the Yellow Jackets in mid-October.

What I want to see is how the new front-seven fairs against this run game. I know they will be much stronger than the Terriers’ offensive line, but what I want to see is do they stick to their assignments. Are the secondaries’ eyes in the backfield to the extent that they get burnt on a passing play. What I want to see is solid fundamental defense in which the defensive line, linebackers, and secondary each play to their assignments and they make stops that way.

Should they do this, it will at least be a step in the right direction for the match up with Georgia Tech. This also should give us an idea of what the run-defense will look like this year at Clemson.

Next: Key 3