Clemson Football: The freshmen will shine against The Citadel

The Clemson football freshmen will shine against The Citadel

The Clemson football team is prepared to take on The Citadel Bulldogs this afternoon at 4 p.m. in Death Valley.

While the atmosphere will certainly be different than anything we’ve seen before with just 19,000 Clemson football fans in attendance, it will still be a special sight as we see the Tigers return home to play in Memorial Stadium for the first time since November of 2019.

We’ll have the opportunity to see Clemson football run down the hill, rub Howard’s Rock and to hear the Tiger Band again. All of those things, without question, will be cherished now more than ever.

Here’s a look at a few last minute predictions for Clemson football heading into the match-up with The Citadel

• The freshmen will shine

Our first prediction pertains to the number of talented freshmen who will hear their names called Saturday afternoon at some point.

Look for big plays from several guys, including D.J. Uiagalelei, Demarkcus Bowman, Kobe Pace, E.J. Williams, Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy, just to name a few.

This is going to be the ‘day of the freshman’ and it won’t be long before we see all of these guys involved and making big plays, even before garbage time begins.

• Even in limited playing time, Trevor Lawrence & Travis Etienne ball out

We’re not going to see much of Lawrence or Etienne this afternoon, but the little we do see, we’re going to enjoy.

Look for Lawrence to have an efficient day and to account for multiple touchdowns. Look for Etienne to break off a couple of big runs.

They’ll have their successes and then their day will be over. A quick in-and-out.

• The second-team offensive line improves from last week

One of the biggest concerns depth-wise has been the backup offensive line and there’s no question they’re going to get a ton of work Saturday afternoon.

Look for improvement and for more of a rotation to be established during the game this week.

• Baylon Spector & Mike Jones Jr. have big days

Baylon Spector and Mike Jones Jr. are extremely physical and athletic from those OLB positions and they’re going to have big days due to The Citadel’s triple-option offense.

Look for both guys to help set hard edges- along with the defensive ends- and to come away with a ton of tackles, and maybe even a turnover.

• A defensive touchdown is coming your way

I’m not sure who it will be, but I’m predicting we see a defensive touchdown in this one. Perhaps it’s one of the few passes The Citadel throws that gets picked off. Maybe it’s a scoop-and-score. Either way, I’m feeling a defensive touchdown this week.