CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Clemson vs GT Preview and Prediction


by - Correspondent -

With a much-anticipated matchup with Florida State less than two weeks away,

could it be that Clemson might overlook a dangerous Georgia Tech team this weekend?

It's possible, but considering that no player on the Tiger roster has ever beaten

the Yellow Jackets, it certainly isn't likely.


QUARTERBACKS- Despite getting off to a slow start, Georgia Tech triggerman

George Godsey has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly as of late. The

6-2, 210-pound junior is currently ranked second in passing efficiency in the

ACC and has thrown for an impressive 15 touchdowns and only four interceptions.

While Godsey edges out Clemson's Woodrow Dantzler in passing accuracy, he doesn't

come close to matching the Tiger quarterback's explosive running ability and

athleticism. Should Dantzler be unable to go on Saturday due to an ankle bruise

suffered against North Carolina, Willie Simmons certainly appears capable of

leading the Tiger offense after last week's relief performance.

Advantage: Clemson


RUNNING BACKS- After gaining 89 yards on 25 carries and drawing the ire

of Tommy Bowden for playing soft without the ball, look for Travis Zachery to

come out strong against the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech's Joe Burns packs a

dangerous combination of power and explosiveness, with the 205 -pound tailback

leading his team in both rushing yards per game (71.1) and rushing touchdowns

(eight).

Advantage: Even


CLEMSON RECEIVERS VS. GEORGIA TECH SECONDARY- The Yellow Jackets are

next to last in the ACC at stopping the pass, giving up a whopping 291 yards

per game and 12 touchdowns. Rod Gardner and the Clemson receiving corps will

need to come up with another solid performance for the Tiger offense to be successful.

Advantage: Clemson


GEORGIA TECH RECEIVERS VS. CLEMSON SECONDARY- Unless Clemson dramatically

improves its deep-ball coverage, the Tigers could be in serous trouble against

a talented Yellow Jacket receiving unit. Junior Kelly Campbell is an all-ACC

caliber threat while sophomore Will Glover appears to be a star in the making.

Advantage: Georgia Tech


CLEMSON OFFENSIVE LINE VS. GEORGIA TECH DEFENSIVE LINE- While teams have

been quick to burn Georgia Tech through the air, the Yellow Jackets have been

particularly dominant against the run, holding opponents to just under 100 yards

per game. Sophomore Greg Gathers anchors a Tech unit that has improved dramatically

as the season has progressed. The Clemson offensive line will be looking to

bounce back after the team's lowest rushing output of the season last week at

North Carolina.

Advantage: Even


GEORGIA TECH OFFENSIVE LINE VS. CLEMSON DEFENSIVE LINE- Godsey's strong

suit certainly isn't his mobility, a fact that makes it critical for the Tiger

defensive front to apply pressure consistently throughout the afternoon. The

Yellow Jacket offensive line has been effective thus far in pass protection

(respectable 14 sacks allowed) and solid in paving the way for Tech runners.

Advantage: Georgia Tech


LINEBACKERS- Both teams boast superb linebacking corps, with Keith Adams

and Chad Carson leading the way for Clemson and Ricardo Winsbush and true freshman

Daryl Smith sparking the Yellow Jackets. For the Tiger linebackers, stopping

flat passes to the Georgia Tech tight ends and running backs will be huge.

Advantage: Clemson


SPECIAL TEAMS- Georgia Tech's Dan Dyke is third nationally in punting

with a 45.5-yard per punt average while placekicker Luke Manget has connected

on a respectable 7-10 attempts, including a long of 50 yards. As for the Tigers,

Joe Don Reames has been solid as returning punts. Otherwise, Clemson's special

teams play has been consistently inconsistent.

Advantage: Georgia Tech


COACHING- Saturday's matchup features two of the nation's most innovative

offensive coordinators in Clemson's Rich Rodriguez and Georgia Tech's Ralph

Friedgen. Rodriguez' "Indy 500" offense is unique in the speed in

which it operates while Fridgen's attack features a mind-numbing array of formations

and sets. Defensively, both teams have shown a penchant for allowing a big play,

and, considering the explosiveness of the offenses involved, yardage could pile

up at an astonishing rate as the game progresses. Should they finally figure

out how to stop the deep ball, Clemson could potentially win by a convincing

margin. Otherwise, look for this one to go down to the wire in a game saturated

with bowl implications for both schools.

Advantage: Even

PREDICTION- Clemson- 38 Georgia Tech- 28

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