Keys to Victory: Clemson Looks to Set the Record Straight Against Georgia Tech

The Match-Up:

Clemson (6-3, 4-2 ACC) vs. Georgia Tech (2-7, 1-5 ACC)

It's a milestone afternoon in Death Valley as Dabo Swinney coaches his 250th career game, fittingly against the same Georgia Tech program he faced in his debut as Clemson's interim head coach on Oct. 18, 2008.

More than 18 years later, Swinney has 193 victories, two national championships and an opportunity to keep Clemson's slim ACC championship hopes alive.

But the Tigers can't afford to overlook a Georgia Tech team that stunned them 24-21 in Atlanta last season.

Kickoff:

• Saturday, Nov. 14, 12:30 p.m. ET
• TV: The CW (Thom Brennaman, Jason Cabinda, Wes Bryant)
• Radio: Clemson Athletic Network (Don Munson, Jeff Scott, Tim Bourret)
• Satellite Radio: SiriusXM 178 or 235
• Venue: Memorial Stadium | Clemson, S.C.
• Senior Day

Last Week: Clemson escaped Syracuse with an 18-13 victory despite failing to score an offensive touchdown. Nolan Hauser connected on four field goals, while Jahiem Lawson returned a fumble 22 yards for a touchdown. The defense delivered another strong performance, but Clemson's inability to finish drives remains the biggest concern heading into the final three games of the regular season.

Series History:

Georgia Tech leads the all-time series 52-36-2, but Clemson has dominated the recent matchups, winning nine of the last 10 meetings before last season's setback in Atlanta.

The Tigers have won eight consecutive home games against the Yellow Jackets, outscoring them 304-152 during that stretch. Georgia Tech hasn't won in Death Valley since Swinney's coaching debut in 2008.

That history provides an interesting backdrop to Saturday's milestone. Swinney will become just the second Clemson coach to reach 250 games, joining Frank Howard, who coached 295.

With 193 victories entering the contest, Swinney will rank third in FBS history for wins through a head coach's first 250 games, trailing only Joe Paterno and Tom Osborne, who each recorded 212.

Tim Bourret's Perspective:

During his appearance on Clemson Sports Talk, longtime Clemson historian Tim Bourret reflected on Swinney's unlikely beginning and the remarkable journey that followed.

Bourret recalled the hectic week in October 2008 when Swinney replaced Tommy Bowden, had just days to prepare for Georgia Tech and immediately began establishing traditions that would help define his program.

But Bourret also pointed to the 2009 season, when Swinney guided Clemson to the ACC Championship Game in his first full year, as an early indication that something special might be developing.

Turning to Saturday's matchup, Bourret highlighted an opportunity Clemson's offense cannot afford to waste.

“I do note that Georgia Tech is 136 in the country out of 138 teams in rushing defense. So, you know, hopefully we'll be able to run the ball.”

Bourret also offered some perspective on Clemson's offensive struggles, noting that field goals still require the offense to move the football into scoring position.

“Field goals are offensive points. Give me a break.”

It's a fair point. Clemson has moved the football at times, but there's a difference between getting into scoring position and consistently finishing drives with touchdowns.

Swanny's Rant & Reality Check:

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: this Clemson team reminds me a little bit of those early Dabo Swinney teams.

They're scrappy. They're finding ways to win. They're not necessarily pretty, and they're certainly not playing championship-caliber football on offense.

But they're competing.

And after watching the Tigers beat Florida State and Syracuse in consecutive road games, I think there's something to be said for that.

Still, I can't ignore what's happening offensively.

Clemson has one of the best kickers in America in Nolan Hauser. He's made 27 field goals this season, tying the school record, and he's been absolutely sensational.

But here's the problem: your kicker shouldn't have to be your most valuable offensive weapon.

It's not that Clemson can't move the football. It's that the Tigers keep getting in their own way. A false start here. A holding penalty there. A formation issue that puts the offense behind the chains.

And suddenly, instead of celebrating a touchdown, we're watching Hauser trot onto the field again.

At some point, that has to change.

Georgia Tech is struggling. The Yellow Jackets are 2-7, have made changes to their coaching staff and have one of the worst rushing defenses in college football.

If Clemson can't establish its offense against this team, when exactly is that improvement going to happen?

Keys to Victory:

1. Run the Football and Make Georgia Tech Stop You: Georgia Tech enters the weekend ranked 136th nationally in rushing defense, and Clemson needs to exploit that weakness from the opening possession.

Tait Reynolds has become an increasingly important part of the rushing attack, and I'd like to see more designed runs that take advantage of his athleticism. But Clemson also needs contributions from Jarvis Green, Chris Johnson Jr. and Jay Haynes.

I still believe Haynes has the ability to be a special player, and this feels like an opportunity to get him more involved. With an inexperienced offensive line, establishing the run could also help take pressure off Reynolds and create manageable passing situations.

2. Give Reynolds Confidence in the Passing Game: Clemson's downfield passing attack has been inconsistent all season, and the receivers have to share some of that responsibility.

Reynolds hasn't demonstrated that he's an elite deep-ball passer, but there have been opportunities when he's delivered catchable passes and his receivers haven't finished the play.

That needs to change.

Bryant Wesco Jr., T.J. Moore and the rest of the receiving corps must help their quarterback. I'd also love to see Clemson's tight ends become a bigger part of the offense. Six or seven combined receptions from that group would be a welcome development.

With Duke and South Carolina still ahead, Clemson needs to develop confidence throwing the football beyond the line of scrimmage.

3. Finish Drives and Let the Defense Set the Tone: Clemson's red-zone offense has been one of the most frustrating parts of this season. The Tigers cannot continue settling for field goals after moving the football deep into opposing territory.

Against Georgia Tech, eliminating penalties and negative plays inside the 20-yard line should be a major priority.

Defensively, Clemson has been much more dependable. Tom Allen has a unit that has recorded at least three sacks in four consecutive games and produced multiple takeaways in each of its last two outings. The Tigers need to keep that pressure on Georgia Tech's offense, force mistakes and create favorable field position. If the defense continues playing at its current level, the offense should have opportunities to put this game away.

Prediction:

There are still scenarios in which Clemson could find its way into the ACC Championship Game, but none of them matter if the Tigers don't take care of their own business.

That starts Saturday against Georgia Tech.

And frankly, I think the Yellow Jackets are ripe for the picking.

Georgia Tech has struggled throughout the season, particularly defensively, and Clemson should be able to establish the running game against a team allowing opponents to move the football on the ground.

I expect Reynolds to continue getting opportunities as a runner, and I hope Chad Morris gets creative with the way he uses the Tigers' offensive personnel. I'd really like to see the tight ends become a bigger part of the passing attack.

But more than anything, I want to see Clemson's receivers help their quarterback.

Reynolds has shown flashes of what he can become. He's not a finished product, and nobody should expect him to be. But when he puts the football where a receiver has an opportunity to make a play, somebody needs to bring it down.

With Duke coming up next Friday and South Carolina waiting at the end of the month, Clemson needs to start developing some confidence throwing the football downfield.

I believe Clemson wins this game. I'm just hesitant to predict a massive offensive explosion because we've seen too many promising drives end with Nolan Hauser field goals.

And I suspect we'll see a few more of those Saturday.

Still, I think Clemson's defense will control the matchup, the running game will provide enough production and the Tigers will take another step toward finishing this season on a positive note.

The Pick: Clemson 30, Georgia Tech 17

Season Prediction Record: 7-2

Swanny's Predictions: