Clemson heads to Atlanta on Monday to face Georgia Tech to wrap up the first full weekend of the college football season. Mercedes-Benz kickoff from his stadium is set for 8pm. The match will be televised by ESPN.
Clemson’s Defense and Tech’s Attack: Despite some key departures at linebackers and secondary, Clemson returns more than half of its starters from a defense that allowed the second-fewer points in the nation a season ago. And there’s no question where the group’s bread is buttered.
Led by prospective first-round draft picks Brian Bresey and Myles Murphy, first-year coordinator Wesley Goodwin is widely viewed as, if not the best defensive line in college football. As for Tech, the Yellow Jackets are rearranging the offensive side of the ball.
Tech lost one of the ACC’s more dynamic running backs, Jahmyr Gibbs, to Alabama. Backup quarterback Jordan Yates, who stood in for an injured Jeff Sims for most of last season, has moved to Sam Houston State. But perhaps Tech’s biggest problem against Clemson is trying to replace the four starting offensive linemen.
Sims, who started 2020 as a bona fide freshman, returns to the back of the Yellowjacket center, bringing big arms and a double threat to the quarterback position. Will there be enough time, or will it be one of the country’s best defenses once again with ample help from the running game? advantage: Clemson
Clemson’s Attack and Tech’s Defense: What does the Clemson offense look like after last year’s sharp decline?
This is one of the most interesting questions in college football circles across the country. DJ Wiagalerai is trying to get back on his feet after a poor season a year ago, with first-year coordinator Brandon Streeter taking over his call to play, although Streeter has previously served as Clemson quarterback him. had worked with Uia Garelei as coach and his coordinator of the passing game.
Unlike the Tech, the Tigers have a backfield, with much of their offensive line intact from last season. Will Shipley is back after leading Clemson in the rush as a true freshman, with four starters back up front. The only newbie on the line is notable freshman tight tackle Blake Miller.
While Tech wasn’t very good defensively last season (ranked under 100 in the nation in yards and points allowed), the Yellow Jackets last season were stingy against this Clemson offense. lost a top tackler from last year’s squad and brought in a slew of transfers to strengthen the second and third levels of defense.
Both units are in proof mode, but Clemson’s experience on offense gives the Tigers a slight edge here. advantage: Clemson
Special Team: Clemson has one of the ACC’s top kickers in veteran BT Potter, but Tech will have to replace last season’s kicker Brent Simaglia. The Tigers also have Shipley (kickoff) and Will Taylor (punt) top kick his returners.
But there are still some questions about the punt Will Spears went ahead with. However, Aidan Swanson won the job.
Potter and the Tigers’ potential in the return game is enough to give them a slight edge here, but punts are worth keeping an eye on in this game. advantage: Clemson
Conclusion: It’s a mystery in terms of how Clemson’s offense performed last season, but it’s hard to imagine a new technology offense that would have great success against the Tigers’ defense, especially in the trenches. If Clemson can avoid a turnover, a group of happy Tigers should move out of his Mercedes-Benz stadium.
predict: Clemson 27, Georgia Tech 10
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