Clemson Football: Bold Predictions for the Orange Bowl

It’s a bit of a different feeling for Clemson football fans headed into the Orange Bowl on Friday.

For the second consecutive season, there’s no playoff and the Tigers have an opt-out and an injury that will keep two of their best defenders out of the game.

On the other hand, many Tiger fans will get what they want – Cade Klubnik starting and being THE quarterback, no ifs, ands or buts to be found.

And while neither team will be the same as they were during the regular season due to opt-outs and injuries, there’s still the excitement of one more Clemson football game before the dreaded off-season begins.

Now that game week is here, I’m even starting to feel it a little more.  Intrigue into what the offense will look like with Klubnik preparing as the starter.  What the defense will look like without Simpson and Murphy, but with Bresee and Davis and where exactly Bresee will play.  One more game watching BT Potter obliterate footballs.

I’m conservative by nature.  You won’t find me predicting Heisman’s and greatness for true freshmen that’ve never seen the field, for example.  So when I say “bold”, take it with that in mind.

Cade Klubnik throws for 325+ yards and wins MVP

Klubnik played the majority of the ACC Championship Game and threw for 279 yards so this may not seem bold at first glance.

However, considering D.J. only went over the 300 yard mark once (Wake Forest) in 13 starts, it’s pretty bold to predict a true freshman in his first start in the Orange Bowl, with three weeks to think about it, with a depleted receiver group to hit three and a quarter.

While Tennessee is not known for defense, they aren’t North Carolina on that side of the ball either and will certainly have bigger, stronger, faster athletes than the Tar Heels.

Wade Woodaz registers 2 TFLs

The Tigers are going to miss Trenton Simpson, that’s for sure.  But I’m intrigued by Woodaz and what he brings to the defense and expect him to grow into a household name among Clemson fans next season.

The absence of Simpson Friday, however, opens the door for Woodaz to see extended time in this game and I expect him to be ready for that opportunity.

Is it just me or does anyone else see a little Skalski and Boulware in the way this kid plays?

Bryan Bresee dominates

OK, this doesn’t really sound bold either, but there’s still some question about what position Bresee will line up in for the Orange Bowl.  Murphy’s absence opens the door to Bresee playing outside and there’s been speculation that’s in the works.  I’m here for that.

It’s difficult to put a number on this prediction because Bresee could stay inside and that means he’ll accrue less stats, even if he dominates.  Inside or out, or even if he plays both, Bresee will be a force.

It may not show it in his stats, but much like obscenity, Clemson fans will know Bresee dominated when they see it.

Cole Turner catches 5 passes

Injuries, ineffectiveness and transfers have opened up playing time for some of the lesser used wide receivers and Turner blossomed in the ACC Championship Game to the tune of 3 receptions for 101 yards, becoming the first Clemson 100 yard receiver in some time.

Just like everyone knew would happen.

Several of the young members of the Clemson football team will benefit greatly from bowl practice

Turner is one of the guys that is going to benefit from the extra practices afforded to bowl teams and he’ll also benefit from Klubnik being the quarterback as we saw in Charlotte.

It’s more difficult to predict the yardage, because well, 68 yard bombs are few and far in between, but look for this connection to continue into the offseason.

B.T. Potter connects on 2 field goals, one of over 50 yards

What would a Clemson game be without B.T. Potter making a 50+ yard kick look like child’s play? Unfortunately, we’ll find out next season, but I expect scoring in this game and while Klubnik will lead the Tigers to touchdowns, he’s still a freshman with limited experience playing on a big stage.

Meaning there will be mistakes that lead to field goal attempts, especially with an iffy corps of receivers.

Potter gets his chances and doesn’t disappoint, ending his Clemson career from distance.