Keys to Victory: Clemson vs. Georgia Tech

Each week, we review the game’s history, three keys to success, and Swanny’s prediction.

The Match-Up:

Clemson (5-4, 2-4 ACC) vs. Georgia Tech (5-4, 4-2)

The game will be the 89th all-time meeting between Clemson and Georgia Tech, a series that dates back to the teams' first meeting: a 23-0 Clemson win in 1898 in Augusta, Ga. This will be the 41st consecutive season the programs have met, a streak that is set to end next year under the ACC's new 17-team scheduling model that left the Clemson-Georgia Tech rivalry unprotected. Clemson is 24-17 against Georgia Tech since the Yellow Jackets joined the ACC in 1983.

Series History:

• OVERALL: Clemson trails series, 35-51-2
• HOME: Clemson leads series, 17-6
• ROAD: Clemson trails series, 16-44-2
• NEUTRAL: Clemson leads, 2-1
• LAST MEETING: Sept. 5, 2022 (41-10, W)
• STREAK: Clemson, Won 8

Roster:

Stat of the Week:

Clemson is attempting to win its ninth consecutive game against Georgia Tech, dating back to a 43-24 home win in 2015. It would extend Clemson’s longest winning streak in the all-time series and more than double its second-longest winning streak in series history (four-game winning streaks across the 1898-1903 seasons and the 1993-96 campaigns).

Chasing History:

Clemson entered the 2023 season riding the longest streak of consecutive seasons with a postseason win in FBS history, one ahead of Florida State's 11 from 1985-95. Clemson has won at least one postseason game (either a conference championship game or bowl game) in 12 consecutive years. Clemson's hopes of extending that streak this season will be predicated upon Clemson's ability to qualify for bowl eligibility. Clemson needs one more win to become bowl-eligible.

Key 1: Ride Mafah 

Georgia Tech ranks next to last in rushing defense this season yielding 220.0 yards per game. Based on Clemson’s strategy last weekend against Notre Dame, it seems like handing the football to a workhorse like Mafah would be a great place to start. Obviously, there is a great debate about Will Shipley in his return after being in concussion protocol, but if it was up to me, Mafah would get 80% of the carries against the Yellow Jackets which helps protect Shipley for another week.

Key 2: Contain the King

I imagine Texas A&M fans in College Station must miss Haynes King after watching what he’s done this year for Georgia Tech. The dude is a baller. King has passed for 2,330 yards, 22 TDs with 10 interceptions. In addition to that, he has rushed for 545 yards and five scores, showcasing his versatility.

King’s ability to make plays certainly has me nervous, especially after we saw Sam Hartman slip out of the backfield a few times last weekend, but the Tigers should be well prepared for what King presents. 

The Yellow Jackets have some skill at wideout as well, including the speedy Eric Singleton, but a healthy Nate Wiggins eats up one wideout on every snap. Mix in freshman Avieon Terrell, who looked like a natural last weekend, and the Tigers’ secondary should hold their own-- especially if the Clemson defensive front causes some havoc up front. 

Key 3: Just Play Clean

Given the fact that Clemson’s 2023 turnover woes flashed a few times late in the game against Notre Dame, this still has to be one of the keys for the Tigers. Season after season, during Clemson’s incredible run from 2015-2020, the ball seemed to bounce the Tigers’ way, but this year has made up for plenty of favorable bounces over the years. 

To me, Clemson’s depth of talent should still be able to overrun most teams they face, but each year, that gap gets more narrow. If the Tigers finish even or better in the turnover margin, I think they will win on Saturday. If they lose it, all bets are off, as a string of negative plays could cloud the confidence gained one week ago in Death Valley.

Prediction:

I can’t exactly say I’ve been bad with my predictions this season because the scores have been pretty close, but lately, I’ve picked the wrong winner! As John Candy said in the movie JFK, “You got the right ta-ta, but the wrong ho-ho,” and I’ve been wrong the past three weeks-- that’s a big part of it-- huh? 

This week, I think the Tigers will carry over their momentum from last weekend. Additionally, it feels like this is a game where a dedicated rushing attack can again lead Clemson to a win. Stick with the Mafah Man, and I think the Tigers’ offense gets rolling again, putting them back in the win column for a second consecutive week.

Clemson 35, Georgia Tech 17

Swanny’s Predictions: 

✅ = Correct Prediction