Reese’s Piece: Another Win and Another Big Game Ahead for Clemson Football

The Clemson football team made a statement against Auburn, Louisville is next and can the Tigers get Brendan Radley-Hiles?

Clemson got past the first big test of the young season with the 14-6 win over No.13 Auburn. It wasn’t always pretty especially on offense, but they were up against a talented SEC team. Actually, the game resembled the SEC defensive battles of the old days. Few points and a lot of defense.

Quarterback Kelly Bryant was the difference in the game with 181 passing yards, 59 on the ground and the only touchdowns(2) in the game.

A trip to Papa John’s Stadium is next. Now bring on the Louisville Cardinals and Lamar Jackson. A College Football Playoffs contender could emerge from this game. In my opinion, Clemson has the tougher schedule and should approach the game feeling like they need a win.

Some analysts are saying that the Tigers can get back in it even with a loss, but hopefully the players aren’t listening to them. A win is big and to me this is the toughest game on the schedule. Some would say the FSU game is tougher. But even with Deondre Francois, FSU would have been a probable underdog at Death Valley.

The Tigers still have road games at Virginia Tech, N.C. State, and South Carolina. Whereas, Louisville has State, FSU, and Kentucky. Jackson and the boys could win in Tallahassee and take down State. Clemson can definitely win both conference road games and both teams may have to fight to win the rivalry games.

The rivalry games could determine which team gets in the playoffs. Because if both teams have one conference loss and Louisville loses to Kentucky but wins the ACC. The committee would likely pick Clemson over Louisville unless another conference champion has a better record. It’s way too early to speculate, but this scenario and others will be discussed after the outcome of Saturday’s game. A Clemson win can go a long way towards Another Clemson Championship and a chance to win a third national title.

If ———-, Louisville will win.

1. One of the running backs gets over 100 yards in the game. So far, in the three game series it hasn’t happened. Jackson will likely carry the ball over 20 times, so if someone else can consistently gain yards. Jackson becomes more dangerous.
2. Louisville keeps the Clemson defense on the field. Louisville had the ball for 99 plays and 15 more minutes than the Tigers last year. Clemson scored quickly and the extra possessions from five turnovers contributed to the high play count. The defense was noticeablely tired in the fourth quarter and gave up scores easily. A tired group on the road will have Petrino and Jackson licking their chops.
3. Clemson continues to turn the ball over. In each of the last three games, the Tigers have had at least one turnover and haven’t forced a single one. They had five turnovers in those games and five in the last meeting. Road games are tough but much tougher if you commit turnovers. Clemson has been able to win despite a negative turnover margin and find themselves in the red again. Saturday night is a perfect night to turn that negative into a positive.

Brendan Radley-Hiles. 2018 Clemson verbal commits Trevor Lawrence, Xavier Thomas and other commits and prospects were at the game on Saturday. One of the 2018 prospects was Nebraska commit Brendan Radley-Hiles, an IMG Academy teammate of Thomas and linebacker commit Mike Jones, Jr. Radley-Hiles is one of the top cornerbacks in the 2018 class. Will he join Thomas and Jones Jr.?

It’s possible but it will be tough. Radley-Hiles is originally from Calabasas High in California. Calabasas High is also the same school that Keyshawn Johnson Jr. attended. Johnson visited Clemson along with his dad Keyshawn Sr. but eventually signed with Nebraska along with Calabasas quarterback Tristan Gebbia. Nebraska redshirt freshman Marquel Dismuke is also from Calabasas. Yes, there is a connection to Nebraska from Calabasas. Head coach Mike Riley was Keyshawn Sr.’s offensive coordinator at USC and Calabasas assistant coach Bryan Wilson is a former Cornhusker.

Radley-Hiles, Geddia, Keyshawn Jr. and Dismukes are all pictured in the tweet below.

Radley-Hiles was on an unofficial visit on Saturday and told Tigernet that he will return to Clemson for an official visit.

The Buckeyes are seeing red. Last week, the Ohio State Buckeyes fans were upset with the Clemson band for forming 31-0 at halftime of the Kent State game. Well, they are upset at Oklahoma and Baker Mayfield now. The Oklahoma Sooners went into Columbus and got a 31-16 win and quarterback Baker Mayfield tried to plant the Oklahoma flag at midfield. The attempt to plant through the turf failed but his actions have the Buckeyes seeing Crimson Red instead of orange. Mayfield did apologize for his post game actions. But a prideful Buckeye Nation won’t forget and would love to see him and the Oklahoma Sooners again. Clemson is 2-0 and a combined 4-0 in recent bowl games against the two teams.

Happy Belated Birthday to Mr. Watson!! Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson turned 22 yesterday. He had modest passing stats of 15-24 attempts and 125 yards but scored on a 49 yard run that was reminiscent of his Clemson football days. Watson got his first start, first rushing touchdown and first win on his special day!!!

Next: Could Louisville be a breakout game for Kelly Bryant?

No. 3 Clemson vs No. 14 Louisville at 8:00 p.m. Saturday on ABC.