Clemson football comes into their week nine matchup with Georgia Tech with added motivation. After suffering their first loss of the season to Syracuse, the Tigers have an opportunity to get back on track against the Yellow Jackets.
When? Saturday, October 28, 2017, 8:00 pm ET
Where? Memorial Stadium (Death Valley, South Carolina)
2016 Record: 9-4 (4-4 ACC)
Head coach: Paul Johnson (10th year)
Betting line: -16 Clemson
Returning starters: 16 total, 8 offensive, 8 defensive
Paul Johnson continues to win football games. While his offensive system may not be “sexy”, it gets the job done. The Yellow Jackets mow opposing defenses down on the ground.
Georgia Tech is a few plays away from being undefeated on the year. After nearly defeating No. 8 Miami and Tennessee, the Yellow Jackets proved they are a force to be reckoned with once again.
Keys to the game
This contest will be decided on the ground. Both Clemson and Georgia Tech lean heavily on their rushing attacks and for good reason.
After losing leading rushers, Dedrick Mills and Marcus Marshall over the offseason, there were concerns about Tech’s rushing attack. TaQuon Marshall and KirVonte Benson have put those worries to rest, combining for 1,356 yards and 16 touchdowns on the year.
With Clemson’s talent along the front seven, it will be difficult for Georgia Tech to play their physical brand of football. Over the past two years, the Tigers’ have held Johnson’s offense to an average of 83 rushing yards per game. Once you shut down their rushing attack, this Yellow Jackets offense is as good as done. Marshall is an inexperienced, sub-par passer, averaging just eight attempts per game.
Latest Bowl Projections For the Tigers
On the flip side of the ball, Clemson has injury concerns at quarterback. If starter, Kelly Bryant isn’t fully healthy, it’s unlikely he will be a factor on the ground. This throws a wrench in the Tigers’ offense as Bryant’s ability to run the zone read and extend plays was the engine of this offense. Luckily, Clemson can lean on talented running backs, Tavien Feaster and Travis Etienne.
Georgia Tech’s defense will look to contain Bryant and force him to win the game from the pocket. The Yellow Jackets rank 20th in the country in rushing defense, allowing 116 yards per contest.
Next: Venables is the kryptonite to Georgia Tech's triple-option
Being completely honest, I doubt Georgia Tech will score enough to threaten Clemson. I expect Brent Venables to shut down Paul Johnson’s complex triple option attack.