Game Prediction - Clemson vs. Virginia

A November to remember starts Saturday.

The Clemson win over Georgia in August was great, an undefeated September was fantastic, that month of October was pretty good, but all football teams are measured on what they do during the month of November.

If the 2013 Clemson football team wants to be remembered as an elite team, the path to a November to remember begins in Charlottesville, Virginia on Saturday.

Can the Tigers have a successful start to the month of November and leave Charlottesville with a win?

WHAT: NO. 8 CLEMSON AT VIRGINIA
WHERE: SCOTT STADIUM – CHARLOTTESVILLE (VA)
WHEN: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 3:30
TV: ESPN

WHEN CLEMSON HAS THE BALL: After struggling against Boston College, Florida State, and the first half against Maryland, the Clemson offense started to show signs of life, beginning with a touchdown pass from Tajh Boyd to freshman tight end Jordan Leggett at the end of the first half in College Park last week. Boyd who was gimpy and banged up began to loosen up and run the ball a little bit and he also found his groove in the passing game. Add in a 200-plus yard rushing day from Roderick McDowell and Zac Brooks and the Clemson offense was hard to stop. The offensive success should continue this week against a Virginia defense that ranks 83rd in the country against the run, giving up 182 yards per game. The Tigers will need another big day McDowell as the Wahoos rank 29th nationally against the pass, giving up just 211 yards per game and have Anthony Harris in the defensive backfield, who leads the nations in interceptions with five. Boyd’s job, however, should be a little easier without Virginia’s top defensive lineman in DT Brent Urban and two cornerbacks in Demetrious Nicholson and Maurice Canady, who are all out with injuries.

WHEN VIRGINIA HAS THE BALL: Virginia’s offense starts with first-year quarterback David Watford, who has progressively gotten better each and every week and threw for a threw for a career-high 376 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort to Georgia Tech last Saturday. The Wahoos also have two dynamic wide receivers in Tim Smith and Darius Jennings, who became the first Cavaliers ever to have at least 10 receptions each in the same game. Smith caught 10 passes for 151 yards, both career highs. Jennings had a career-best 13 receptions for 199 yards and two TDs. The Cavaliers have also had 11 different players with a rushing attempt and 18 different players have caught a pass, meaning the Tigers will have to defend the entire field. Junior tailback Kevin Parks has rushed for nine touchdowns and is second on the team in receptions with 29. Junior tight end Jake McGee has 31 catches (in seven games). Defensively, the Tigers’ defensive line will need to consistently pressure Watford to take pressure off of the defensive backs. The key will be for Clemson to shut down the Wahoos’ rushing attack, so that Vic Beasley and company can focus on Watford and containing the passing attack.


SPECIAL TEAMS: The Cavs have a solid punter in Alec Vozenilek, who is averaging 41.0 yards per punt, but the Tigers counter with Bradley Pinion who is averaging 40.75 yards per punt. Vozenilek booted the fourth-longest punt in the nation this year with a 77-yard kick at Pittsburgh. Neither team is lighting up the punt return category. Virginia is 109th nationally in kickoff returns, averaging 18.56 yards per return. Clemson is even worse – the Tigers are 123rd nationally (out of 125 teams) in averaging 17.06 yards per return. Kicker Ian Frye (3-for-4 on field goals) has been injured since late September, but may return this weekend. Clemson’s Chandler Catanzaro has been solid has always, including a 4-for-4 effort against Maryland last week.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: Clemson’s defense plays great for three-fourths of games, but has yet to really put together a complete game effort. Could this be the week that they finally put it all together? Combine that with an offense that is continuing to regain its confidence and it should be a successful day for the Orange and White. The game will probably be close until the third quarter, but a Virginia team that is relying heavily on the play of freshmen and sophomores will eventually give in to Clemson’s athleticism and experience allowing the Tigers will pull away.

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 38 – VIRGINIA 13

Post written by Clemson Girl Sports Bloggess Nikki Steele.

Game Prediction - Clemson vs. Maryland

Throw matchups, x’s and o’s, and personnel out the window this week, Saturday’s game comes down to one thing.

Mental toughness.

Can Maryland overcome all of the injuries on offense? Or will it be Clemson who overcomes its recent struggles and the blowout loss to Florida State a week ago?

The team that is able to overcome all of the negativity is the one that will emerge victorious on a cold, windy Maryland afternoon.

WHAT: No. 9 Clemson (6-1, 4-1) at Maryland (5-2, 1-2)
WHEN: 3:30 on ESPN
WHERE: Byrd Stadium, College Park, Maryland

WHY MARYLAND MIGHT WIN: Clemson has a history of playing some of its worst football in College Park and letting Maryland stay in games or even win games that the Terps shouldn’t. For all of the injuries that Maryland has sustained, the game is still in Byrd Stadium, it is still Homecoming, and it is still the Terps last game against the Tigers as ACC rivals. For Maryland, without it’s starting quarterback, running back, both star wide receivers, linebacker, and safety, Saturday’s game is all about mental toughness. Can the Maryland defense force a couple of turnovers and score points to help the offense. A week ago, the Florida State Seminoles scored 24 points off of Clemson turnovers. If Maryland can do the same, Byrd stadium will have something to cheer about and the Terps can put more pressure on Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd. Despite the injuries that have riddled the Maryland football team, the defense is still only giving up 123.7 yards per game on the ground, good for 27th in the country and 2nd in the ACC. The Terps are also averaging 7.7 tackles for loss per game. If the defense can keep Clemson’s running game in check and force Boyd out of his comfort zone, the Terps can hang around and possibly pull out an upset late the fourth quarter.

WHY CLEMSON MIGHT WIN: For all of the struggles that the Clemson offense has endured over the last two and a half games, the quarterback is still Tajh Boyd who holds numerous Clemson records, the Tigers still have Sammy Watkins at wide receiver, they still have senior Roderick McDowell in the backfield, and they still have Brandon Thomas on the offensive line. All is not lost. The Clemson offense needs to get the confidence that they had against Georgia back, and it all starts with the running game. To be a dominant offense, you have to be able to run the football. The offensive line wants to run the football and McDowell wants to run the football. The Clemson defense, on the other hand, had been dominant up until last week when it seemed like nothing they tried, worked. Maryland quarterback Caleb Rowe, isn’t a threat to run the ball leaving him vulnerable to Clemson defensive ends Vic Beasley and Corey Crawford. Without receivers Stefon Diggs and Deon Long, the Clemson secondary’s job got a whole lot easier. If the Clemson defense can avoid giving up the big play, it will be a long day for the Terp offense.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: Clemson has had problems establishing its ground game over the last several weeks, so the Tigers will come out and try to get the running game going early and take some pressure off of Boyd who has struggled with his consistency in the last two games. Expect Boyd to complete some short passes early on to get his confidence up and then hit the big play to give Clemson an early lead. With Rowe at quarterback, the Clemson defense won’t have to worry as much about keeping him in the pocket and can just pin their ears back and go after him because he doesn’t have the scrambling ability that Brown possesses. The Clemson offense will get back in its groove after struggling mightily a week ago and the defense will find the swagger that it lost against the Seminoles.

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 37 MARYLAND 10

Post written by Clemson Girl Sports Bloggess Nikki Steele.

Game Prediction - Clemson vs. Florida State

There has never been a day like this on the campus of Clemson University.

On the eve of the first top-five showdown in Death Valley history, the energy and excitement are palpable – College GameDay is set up on Bowman field, the students have returned from fall break, RVs are steadily rolling into town, everyone around town is wearing orange.

For a college town, it just doesn’t get much better than this.

85,000 fans will pack into Death Valley around 7:30 tomorrow evening, to witness two top-ranked teams battle it out for a chance to continue their national championship hopes, and the upper hand in the ACC.

There’s a lot on the line, but which team has the advantage?

WHO: No. 5 Florida State at No. 3 Clemson
WHEN: 8:22 p.m.
WHERE: Death Valley, SC
TELEVISION: ABC

WHEN CLEMSON HAS THE BALL: Everyone knows the playmakers on Clemson’s offense – quarterback Tajh Boyd, running backs Rod McDowell and Zac Brooks, wide receivers Sammy Watkins, Martavis Bryant and Adam Humphries. But, this offense hasn’t faced a defense like that of the ‘Noles in 2013. Florida State’s defense has held opponents to 20 or less points in 26 of its last 33 games. The Seminoles’ defense has held ACC opponents under 100 yards rushing in eight of its last 10 road games. Boston College (2013) and Wake Forest (2011) are the only teams to gain over 100 yards rushing during that time. FSU has held ACC opponents to 20 or less points nine times in the last 14 ACC road games. There are two keys to the game for the Clemson offense. Can the offensive line hold off Florida State’s front four and create running lanes for Boyd, McDowell and Brooks? And, how will the receivers respond to the physical style of play by the ‘Noles secondary? The matchup of the night will be FSU cornerback Lamarcus Joyner and Watkins – both of which have said that they are up for a physical fight to determine who reigns supreme. If the Tigers can consistently run the ball, then that could force Florida State to bring up a defensive back to help defend the running game and create space for the receivers on the edge.

WHEN FLORIDA STATE HAS THE BALL: Florida State has an experienced offensive line and weapons at ever position, but the offense will flow as does freshman phenom quarterback Jameis Winston. Winston has passed for 1,441 yards and rushed for another 135 yards, and he’s also accounted for 19 touchdowns in his first five games. Making it easier on the freshman is the fact that he is surrounded by a wealth of talent. Devonta Freeman is first on the team with 385 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Karlos Williams has found the end zone six times, and he has 244 rushing yards, while James Wilder Jr. has rushed 36 times for 214 yards and two scores. Through the air, Rashad Greene and Kenny Shaw are tied for first with 23 receptions. They have 407 and 406 receiving yards, respectively, and Greene is tied for the team lead with five touchdown catches. Kelvin Benjamin (6-5, 234) is a matchup nightmare for corners, and he has caught 17 passes for 299 yards and three scores. Throw in tight end Nick O’Leary, who has 11 receptions for 132 yards and five touchdowns, and the FSU attack is formidable. The Clemson linebackers and secondary will need all the help they can get in coverage, and that help will surely come from the defensive line. Can defensive ends Vic Beasley, Corey Crawford and Shaq Lawson get to Winston in a hurry and not give him time to find an open receiver? The key for Clemson’s defense will be to pressure Winston, make him uncomfortable, and second-guess his decisions.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The Clemson field goal unit had a bevy of problems last week with two missed field goals, but rebounded late in the win over Boston College with a made field goal attempt. Clemson’s Bradley Pinion has been consistent this season with his kickoffs and is averaging 41.7 yards per punt. Florida State always has good special teams and this year is no exception. Redshirt freshman kicker Roberto Aguayo has made all 42 kicks this season, setting a new FSU record for consecutive kicks (PATs, FGs) to start a career. He leads the ACC in scoring (11.2 points per game). Punter Cason Beatty is averaging 40.9 yards per punt

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: These teams are even in every facet of the game – offense, defense, and special teams. Neither team has a distinct talent advantage over the other. But, what does Clemson have in its favor? Two things. Death Valley – the crowd and the atmosphere could be a difference maker in this game. And most important, Tajh Boyd. When in doubt, you go with more experienced quarterback. Boyd has played in big games before and knows how to win on the big stage. So, I’m going with home field advantage and the senior quarterback…

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 31 – FLORIDA STATE 24

Post written by Clemson Girl Sports Bloggess Nikki Steele.

Game Prediction - Clemson vs. N.C. State

Focus.

The Clemson Tigers are the talk of the national media, the Sugar Bowl, and the University of South Carolina, but there’s still one game that remains before rivalry week and the bowl talk can begin. The Tigers need to focus on a pesky N.C. State team that is capable of beating anyone on a given week, including the ACC’s top team in Florida State.

Clemson is the better team and should win handily, but can the Tigers avoid the letdown that everyone around the country has been awaiting and expecting and finish out its conference schedule strong, clinching a part of the ACC Atlantic title for the second straight year?

N.C. STATE AT NO. 11 CLEMSON

WHY N.C. STATE MIGHT WIN: Although N.C. State is just 6-4 this season, it is still a very dangerous team playing for bowl seeding and possibly Tom O’Brien’s career. Senior quarterback Mike Glennon is heralded as one of the top passers in the ACC as he has thrown for 291 yards per game with 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His two top receiving targets are Quintin Payton and Bryan Underwood. Payton has caught 42 passes for 669 yards and one touchdown while Underwood has 40 receptions for 588 yards and 10 touchdowns. Offense won’t be the issue on Saturday as the taller task for the Wolfpack will be stopping- or at a minimum slowing down- Clemson’s offense. N.C. State has the players to do it with David Amerson and C.J. Wilson manning the secondary. State’s defense has accounted for 11 interceptions this season with four of those being from Amerson. The key for the defense will be getting pressure on Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd and forcing him into quick throws and mistakes on his reads- which the Wolfpack successfully did in 2011 holding the Tigers to 13 points and forcing four turnovers.

WHY CLEMSON MIGHT WIN: Another week and another opponent gets the opportunity to step up to the challenge of slowing down Clemson’s high-octane offense that is averaging over 42 points per game and over 513 yards per game of total offense. On the road, the Wolfpack are allowing 148 yards on the ground, 343 yards through the air, and opponents are averaging 33-percent on third down. The key stat is the third down conversion because the Tigers have been one of the best in the country on third downs averaging over 53-percent. Also, Wolfpack opponents have scored touchdowns 10 times on 19 trips in the redzone- another advantage for the Tigers who have scored 17 touchdowns in 24 trips while at home. The Clemson defense will have its hands full with Glennon and the N.C. State receivers, but if Garry Peters, Bashaud Breeland and company can be physical off the line of scrimmage and get the Wolfpack offense out of rhythm it could be a long day for the boys in red and white. When Glennon gets out of synch, his receivers start dropping passes and the offense stagnates.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: The Wolfpack totally embarrassed Clemson a year ago at Carter-Finley Stadium and this current group of Tigers hasn’t forgotten that feeling or the game. The Tigers are 5-0 in redemption games- or games where the opposing team beat them the previous year- and I expect the Tigers to continue this streak against N.C. State. Glennon has a strong arm and is accurate when his receivers hold on to the ball, but the Clemson secondary has shown that they have improved throughout the course of the season. There will of course be one or two “what was he thinking” plays for Clemson, but the Tiger defense will continue playing sound football and it will be business as usual for the Clemson offense.

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 42- N.C. STATE 23

Post written by Clemson Girl's Sports Bloggess, Nikki Steele.

Game Prediciton - Clemson vs. Maryland

It’s time to put the death back in Death Valley.

Death Valley was once a venue feared by opponents because it was a rare occurrence for a visiting team to emerge victories.

The Tigers have currently won 11-straight games in the friendly confines of Memorial Stadium, and look to break the record for consecutive home wins set between 1989-1991 when Danny Ford and Ken Hatfield combined for 11 consecutive wins in Death Valley.

Do the Tigers have what it takes to defend their home turf and claim the record?

MARYLAND (4-5, 2-3 ACC) AT NO. 13 CLEMSON (8-1, 5-1)

WHY MARYLAND MIGHT WIN: Saying the Terps are snake-bitten is an understatement. Maryland is on their fifth quarterback after several ACL injuries. True freshman Shawn Petty began the season as a linebacker, but will be making his second start Saturday. The key for Maryland will be how Petty handles the raucous Death Valley crowd and how he manages the game. The key target for Petty will be tight end Matt Furstenburg, who has 14 catches for 169 yards and was seemingly unstoppable against the Tigers in College Park a year ago. Defensively, the Terps are one of the best in the country allowing only 21.7 points per game. Maryland is giving up just over 63 yards rushing and 255 yards through the air in games on the road. If Maryland learned anything from watching the Tigers the last two weeks, it’s that they won’t be able to play man coverage on Clemson’s speedy wide receivers. The Terps are very disciplined and physical on defense, which could give them an advantage against a Tiger offensive line that has been very inconsistent.

WHY CLEMSON MIGHT WIN: There are only so many times a person can write about Tajh Boyd, Sammy Watkins, Andre Ellington, Nuk Hopkins, Jaron Brown and Brandon Ford. The Clemson offense continues to improve each week, and that has to be scary for opponents. The Tigers are averaging over 522 yards per game and over 42 points per game. However, this week the Tigers may have do it without starting running back Andre Ellington, who was hampered with a hamstring injury in the Duke game last Saturday. The good news is that there was absolutely no drop off when D.J. Howard and Rod McDowell entered the game. As good as the offense has been for the Tigers, the defense has also made major strides from week-to-week. At home, the Clemson defense is allowing 20 points per game. The defensive line is getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and should be able to affect Petty. The Terps could be forced to become a one-dimensional team that relies on running the ball without leading receiver Stefon Diggs and leading rusher Wes Brown.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: The Maryland defense has been stout all season, but they have yet to face a team that will test them like Clemson. The Clemson offense has been unstoppable all season long, and that trend won’t stop Saturday. For the first time in 2012, Clemson special teams will make a splash and return a kickoff for a touchdown to extend the streak to four years. The Terps will score in the first quarter, but the Clemson defense will settle down and lock down the endzone for the remainder of the game allowing the Tigers to continue with business as usual.

FINAL SCORE: Clemson, 49- Maryland, 10

Post written by Clemson Girl's Sports Bloggess, Nikki Steele.

Game Prediction - Clemson vs. Duke

Clemson and Duke will square off for the first time under the lights of Wallace Wade Stadium.

What’s at stake?

While the Tigers need a little bit of help to make it back to Charlotte for the ACC Championship Game, the Blue Devils are right in the mix for a Coastal Division Championship.

The Tigers have an outside shot at playing in a BCS Bowl and need to win their remaining games in a convincing fashion.

Let’s take a look at who has the best chance to get the win.


NO. 9 CLEMSON AT DUKE


WHY DUKE MIGHT WIN: Duke head coach David Cutcliffe has done a tremendous job in turning the Blue Devils football program around. If Duke can keep him long enough, they may become a long-term contender in an ever-changing ACC Coastal Division. Duke has a huge question mark at quarterback with starter Sean Renfree suffering a concussion last week at Florida State. The Blue Devils are in good hands whether it be Renfree or Anthony Boone under center. Renfree is more of a pure pocket passer, while Boone is also a threat to run the ball. Both quarterbacks love to find the ACC’s all-time receptions leader Conner Vernon who has 54 catches for 761 yards and five touchdowns. The Blue Devils have three receivers with over 400 yards and rank in the top 20 in the ACC. The Clemson secondary has had issues tackling in open space this season and if those problems occur in Durham, it could be a long night at Wallace Wade.

WHY CLEMSON MIGHT WIN: Let’s face it, there aren’t many teams that can keep up with Tajh Boyd, Andre Ellington, Nuk Hopkins, and Sammy Watkins…and Duke won’t be able to either. Florida State put up 48 points against the Blue Devils last week and although FSU has a stout defense, their offense has nowhere near the firepower of the Tigers. In conference games, the Blue Devils are giving up 212 yards per game on the ground and 259 yards per game through the air. That is great news for the Tigers who are averaging 157 yards and 329 in their respective categories. Duke will try to play a cover zero- or man coverage- which will allow the Tigers an opportunity to hit big plays. If the Duke’s cornerbacks play up on Clemson wide receivers, Hopkins, Watkins and company will run right past them. If they play off the receivers, Boyd will simply hit the underneath routes and Clemson will go on longer, more sustained drives. The Clemson defense has been much improved over the last two weeks and with increased pressure on the yet to be determined Duke quarterback, the Tigers should be able to limit Vernon’s success downfield.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: Clemson’s defense has been the biggest question mark so far this season, but since the disaster at Florida State, defensive coordinator Brent Venables has watched his guys improve before his eyes. The Tigers’ high-octane offense continues to impress and this weekend will be no exception. Expect Duke to play – man coverage- a style similar to Wake Forest that will allow Boyd and company to breakoff many big plays and get into a groove early. This one may be close in the first 30 minutes, but the Blue Devils just can’t hang with the Tigers.

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 49- DUKE 17

Post written by Clemson Girl's Sports Bloggess, Nikki Steele.

Game Prediction - Clemson vs. Wake Forest

CLEMSON – Clemson fans have gone from the agony of the open week and 14 days in between games to this week’s Thursday night game in Winston-Salem against Wake Forest, a span of just five short days since the Tigers beat Virginia Tech last Saturday.

Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe is just 3-8 all-time against Clemson, but all three of those wins have come at home at Groves Stadium. The Tigers have won three in a row in the series, but the last win by the Demon Deacons over the Tigers was on – you guessed it – a Thursday night four years ago when Wake beat Clemson 12-7 and ended the tenure of then-head coach Tommy Bowden.

The Demon Deacons are actually 2-0 in home Thursday night games, and 3-1 overall, so they have a bit of a mental advantage in this one.

What will happen? Let’s take a look.

WHY CLEMSON MIGHT WIN
The Clemson offense scuffled at times last week against the Hokies, and there was plenty of blame to go around – the offensive line struggled in both the running game and pass protection, wide receivers dropped the ball and quarterback Tajh Boyd looked out of synch from the first play of the game. Despite the offensive woes, the Tigers still scored 31 points on offense – seven points were scored on a pick-six – and Sammy Watkins had eight catches as offensive coordinator Chad Morris tries to get the Tigers’ All-American back into the flow of the offense.

This week, the Tigers get a Wake Forest defensive unit that has struggled at points this season. Let’s be honest – this Wake Forest team isn’t the same kind of team that beat Clemson four years ago. There is a reason that the Deacons have struggled to stay around .500 over the past few seasons, and the reason is they don’t have the players like Aaron Curry anymore.

The Tigers, however, have plenty of good players. The defense played better last week – getting more of a pass rush and setting the edge in the running game – and the special teams had maybe their best game of the year. If the offense finds just a little bit of a spark, it could get ugly quick.

WHY WAKE FOREST MIGHT WIN
Bad news came out of Clemson this week concerning the defensive secondary. An already reed-thin unit became even thinner when cornerback Darius Robinson fractured an ankle against Virginia Tech and had to have surgery on Tuesday. The other starting cornerback, Bashaud Breeland, suffered an abdominal strain against the Hokies and didn’t even make the trip to Winston-Salem. As a result, the Tigers will have Xavier Brewer at one corner spot [he started the season at safety], while Garry Peters will man the other side [he started the season on the bench]. The third corner will have to be redshirt freshman Cortez Davis, who has seen the majority of his time on special teams.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said earlier this week that wide receiver Adam Humphries may actually have to play on defense in an emergency situation. Wake already has the crowd on its side, and if they can get the running game going and can use the play-action pass against the inexperienced corners, this could be a long night for the Clemson defense. If the offense struggles again...

WHAT WILL HAPPEN
Wake Forest has a lot of emotion and history on its side in this game, and there is no doubt that this one might be closer than a lot of people think. However, Dabo Swinney has done an excellent job of changing the culture at Clemson and getting the players to realize the importance of each and every game. This one will be no different. The Deacons will come out swinging early and gain some momentum, but once the players settle in, it will be more about the Jimmies and the Joes than the x’s and the o’s – and Clemson’s Jimmies are just better than Wake’s Joes.

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 35, WAKE FOREST 20

Post written by Clemson Girl's Sports Bloggess, Nikki Steele.

Game Prediction - Clemson vs. Virginia Tech

Military Appreciation Day is always a special time at Clemson, and this year will be even better with Purple Heart recipient and football player Daniel Rodriguez leading the Tigers down The Hill.

Outside of Texas A&M and the military academies, there isn’t another school with richer military history than Clemson University.

The Tigers always do a great job honoring our veterans and active duty military, but this year will be even more special with the addition of Rodriguez.

With both schools rich in military tradition, Saturday sets up to be very special and a heavy-weight battle between two of the ACC’s top teams.

VIRGINIA TECH AT NO. 13 CLEMSON

WHY VA. TECH MIGHT WIN
The Hokies gained much-needed confidence last weekend with a win over Duke. Tech allowed Duke to score 20 quick points in the first quarter, but the Hokies finally settled down and allowed quarterback Logan Thomas to find his rhythm for the first time all season, scoring 41 unanswered points. Va. Tech has scored 34 or more points four times this season and is very capable of exploding on offense if not challenged. With a young offensive line, Thomas will need great pocket presence to avoid the pass rush- something the Tigers continue to improve. Virginia Tech has an experienced defense with returning starters on the defensive line and in the secondary. Even though the defense is allowing over 380 yards per game, they are plenty capable of making Clemson’s offense stagnate.

WHY CLEMSON MIGHT WIN
The Tigers come into this weekend with the 13th ranked offense and are ranked 11th in scoring offense in the country. They are led by quarterback Tajh Boyd and wide receiver Nuk Hopkins. Hopkins has been almost unstoppable this season, averaging over 129 receiving yards per game. Va. Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster has been dialing up a lot of man coverage this season. If the Hokies stick with that type of defensive scheme, their cornerbacks will have a difficult time staying with Hopkins and Sammy Watkins, who is poised for a breakout game.

As good as the Tigers’ passing game has been this season, the key to the game may be how well they can run the football because Tech is giving up over 170 yards per game on the ground. The numbers for Virginia Tech are even worse on the road as the Hokies are giving up over 36 points and 521 yards per game when they are way from Lane Stadium. Defensively, the key for the Tigers is getting pressure on Thomas, who is 6’6 and weighs 260-pounds and can be difficult to bring down, but if the Clemson defense can prevent him from running wild and force him into quick throws, Thomas proven to be anything but accurate.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN
Revenge is always a motivating factor and usually that is the Tigers’ favor; however that is not the case this Saturday. On the minds of all of Hokie Nation are the two losses to Clemson in 2011. The Hokies will come out with a chip on their shoulder looking to make a statement and prove to a national audience that they are indeed the class of the ACC.

The Tigers, however, still have a lot to play for in a chance to play for the ACC and possibly an at-large bid to a BCS bowl. The Hokies will do their best to slow down Clemson’s up-tempo offense, but they won’t be able to stop Boyd and company. The only question in this game is can the Clemson defense prevent the big play. This game will be close going into the second half, but depth-challenged Hokie defense will tire late in the game, which will allow the Tigers to pull away.


FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 38- VA TECH 24

Post written by Clemson Girl's Sports Bloggess, Nikki Steele.

Clemson Sports: Game Prediction - Clemson vs. FSU

This post was featured on the Huffington Post sports section on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012.

There is no reason for the Clemson Tigers to board the buses to Tallahassee, because they have no chance of winning in Doak Campbell Stadium Saturday night.

If you have listened to the national media for the last week, then you know that the 10th-ranked Tigers have no shot at staying within two touchdowns of No. 4 Florida State. And, according to FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher, the Tigers are very similar to Wake Forest – the team FSU beat 52-0 last week - but with a few more “bells and whistles.”

The Tigers and Noles are set to show the nation how good the ACC can be as the teams take center stage in an 8 p.m. game on ABC Saturday night.

Do the Tigers stand a chance or should they just stay in South Carolina?

Let’s take a look at how the two teams match up.

NO. 10 CLEMSON (3-0, 0-0 ACC) AT NO. 4 FLORIDA STATE (3-0, 1-0)

WHY FLORIDA STATE MIGHT WIN
The Seminoles have the number one defense in the country after allowing only three points in three games. The Seminoles return nine starters on a defense that was ranked in the top-five a year ago, and can stake claim to the top defensive line in country with the talents of Everett Dawkins, Bjoern Werner, and Cornellius Carradine. Werner leads the country with six-and-a-half sacks this season and Carradine isn’t far behind with three-and-a-half. The Noles are only allowing 70 yards through the air and 34 yards on the ground.

The defense is without a doubt the strongest unit on the FSU squad, but the offense is no push-over, averaging just over 52 points per game. The offense is led by senior quarterback E.J. Manuel, who has completed 71-percent of his passes for 525 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception. As much of a threat as Manuel is to run the ball, the Nole offense starts with running back Chris Thompson, who has carried the ball 18 times for 254 yards and three touchdowns. Thompson rushed for 194 yards a week ago against Wake Forest, all in the first half. At wide receiver, Florida St. is led by Kenny Shaw and Kelvin Benjamin, who have two touchdown receptions each.

WHY CLEMSON MIGHT WIN
For all the talk of FSU’s talented defense, the Clemson Tigers have quite a few playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. The Noles will have a big decision to make in who to cover and who to take their chances on. The Clemson offense starts with junior quarterback Tajh Boyd, who has thrown for 747 yards, six touchdowns and one interception and has rushed for 75 yards this season. Against Auburn in week one, Boyd showed that he was plenty capable of keeping plays alive with his feet as well as getting the ball to his playmakers.

Unlike week one, Boyd will have sophomore wide receiver Sammy Watkins in his arsenal of weapons. Watkins was a freshman All-American who had 1219 yards and 12 touchdowns last year, but was suspended for the first two games of the season. To complement Watkins, Boyd can also play toss-and-catch with Nuk Hopkins, who already has four touchdowns and 319 receiving yards. Not to be left out is running back Andre Ellington, who made spectacular runs against Auburn and has rushed for 328 yards and four touchdowns. If the Florida St. defense can manage to cover those three, the Tigers will simply get the ball to Jaron Brown, Brandon Ford, Adam Humphries Charone Peake, or Martavis Bryant, players who are all dangerous in their own right.

The offense has kept the Tigers on pace, while the defense continues to be a work in progress under first year coordinator Brent Venables. Clemson is very young, but solid up front with tackles DeShawn Williams and Josh Watson. At linebacker, the Tigers have heavy hitters in Stephone Anthony, Tig Willard and self-proclaimed headhunter Lateek Townsend. The Tigers will need to stop FSU’s rushing attack and get solid play from the front seven to allow the secondary to settle in and prevent the long play when Manuel decides to throw the ball. Venables has proven over the last two seasons – he was at Oklahoma before coming to Clemson this season - that he is plenty capable of game planning against the Noles and stopping Manuel and offense. If Venables can translate his knowledge from the Sooners to the Tigers, then Clemson has a shot to emerge victorious. But, the Tigers must not allow the big, chunk plays that have plagued them throughout the first three games of the season.

THE X-FACTORS

CLEMSON OFFENSIVE LINE: The Clemson offensive line has been pieced together for much of the season and the original starting five have not played together since the next to last play of the Auburn game. But when they were together, they were successful at opening up rushing lanes and giving Boyd ample time to find his playmakers. The line will have a difficult task in handling the front four on Florida State’s defensive line. The offensive line will have to protect Boyd long enough for him to get rid of the ball or extend plays with his legs. The Clemson line has three new starters, but center Dalton Freeman and right guard Tyler Shatley have a toughness about them that has been missing from the Tigers’ front for many years.

FLORIDA STATE SECONDARY: The Clemson offense has so many weapons at wide receiver in Hopkins, Watkins, Humphries, Bryant and Brown, and for the FSU defense it almost becomes a ‘pick your poison’ type of deal. If Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops decides to double-team Watkins, Hopkins is plenty capable of racking up 100 receiving yards and multiple touchdowns on his own. Defensive backs Xavier Rhodes and Lemarcus Joyner will be tasked with keeping tabs on the Tiger’s receiving corps, and if they can’t do it alone, FSU will be forced to drop a linebacker into coverage, which could ultimately open up the running game for Ellington and company.

CLEMSON OFFENSIVE SNAP COUNT: The Clemson Tigers are averaging just over 79 plays per game, while the FSU defense has only been on the field for 162 plays over the course of three games. If the Tigers can run at least 80 plays, they will have an advantage over the Noles on a hot and humid night in Tallahassee. Many will make the claim that Florida State’s defense should be well-rested and fresh, but playing in the heat against an offense that likes to snap the ball with 25 to 30 seconds remaining on the play clock can take a toll on a defense that has yet to play an entire game.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN
The Seminoles will come out with a lot of energy on defense, and will hold the Clemson offense in check for the first half, while the Clemson defense will give up yards, but keep the Noles from racking up a ton of points. Going into the second half, the score will be close, but a FSU defense that hasn’t been tested and hasn’t played four quarters of football will begin to tire towards the end of the third quarter and the Tigers will put the game away to win a game that nobody outside of Clemson gave them a chance of winning.

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON, 35 - FLORIDA ST. 24

Post written by Clemson Girl Sports Bloggess Nikki Steele