Dan Scott: Georgia Tech - Clemson Prediction |
OFFENSE
Bill this matchup as The Walking Wounded vs. The Untested. Clemson comes in with four starters out, three of whom - tailback Bernard Rambert, fullback Chad Jasmin and right tackle Derrick Brantley - won't play at all. The replacement backfield tandem of Keith Kelly and Cliff Harrell should more than pick up the slack there, but William Henry at right tackle and walk-on Tommy Sharpe at center will be worth watching. If they hold their own, the Tigers should move the ball. This is the game when the wide receiving corps and quarterback Willie Simmons need to hit on all cylinders. Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets have been putting up impressive numbers early this season, albeit against less-than-impressive competition. Quarterback A.J. Suggs will start, but expect to see plenty of backup Damarius Bilbo in a "slash"-type role. All in all, always one of the most dangerous offenses the Tigers face each year. Where the Tigers have struggled scoring touchdowns in the red zone this year, Tech has scored seven touchdowns in eight trips inside the opponent's 20. ADVANTAGE: Even DEFENSE Clemson's defense has allowed just 166 yards rushing in two games. Tech tailback Tony Hollings averages almost that much per half - he has rushed for 297 yards in two games, despite having only one second-half carry. The Tigers' secondary, so impressive through two games, will get its biggest test so far against the multiple looks of Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jacket defense, much like its offense, has yet to be tested. In past years the unit found it virtually impossible to stop Clemson's Woodrow Dantzler. Dantzler's gone, and now it's up to Willie Simmons to put up big numbers. ADVANTAGE: Clemson SPECIAL TEAMS A better performance for Clemson last week, despite the early blocked punt. Wynn Kopp rebounded with and average of 47 yards on his next two kicks. The coverage was better, as well, and it's beginning to look like Derrick Hamilton is getting his wheels back on kick and punt returns. Aaron Hunt, too, bounced back nicely with four straight field goals a week ago. Tech has All-World kicker Luke Manget back, have two punters averaging a combined 43.2 yards per kick and sport the dangerous Kelly Rhino on punt returns (15.1). Can you see Manget and/or Hunt being called on in a pressure situation down the stretch? ADVANTAGE: Even COACHING Tommy Bowden is 1-2 so far against Tech, but with a play or two in either loss could easily be 3-0. Chan Gailey has yet to live through this matchup, which has produced six consecutive games decided by exactly three points. At least Bowden should know to bring the Rolaids. ADVANTAGE: Clemson THE LOWDOWN You can analyze, break down and pour over any set of numbers and stats you want, but when these teams get together you'd be better off drawing a winner out of a hat. One thing is certain - the three-point streak ends this year. Clemson won this pick box by two categories, and it wins the game by the same number of points. THE PICK Clemson 30, Georgia Tech 28
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