The Last Look: No. 7 Clemson vs Georgia Tech
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The bad taste in Clemson’s mouth over the past two weeks has gotten more and more bitter.
The Tigers are finally back on the field after two weeks of speculation, reevaluating, and taking a long look in the mirror. They face 4-2 Georgia Tech in a cross-divisional rivalry that is always buzzing with excitement.
Here are a few final things to look for this evening as Clemson takes on the Yellow Jackets under the lights at Death Valley.
Rain in the Valley:
It may not be like Notre Dame at home in 2015, but it will have that same type of feeling if what is believed to happen will happen.
There is a 90 percent chance of rain on Saturday with a high of 65, but a low of 43. It is going to be cold, wet and sloppy out there are both teams take the field.
With both teams having such a mobile offense, the question is will the rain and a wet field impact offensive players on both sides.
Georgia Tech has been known to run the ball about 80 percent of the time, but defensive coordinator Brent Venables told us that he believes that they run it about 90 percent this season. A wet field could create problems especially if the offense gets in a hole early.
On the other hand, we have already seen Bryant’s immobility and the effect it has on the offense. Does a wet field make him less prone to run on his still injured ankle efficiently?
It’s not the most significant factor in the game, but the rain is still something to keep an eye on as the day, and the game progresses.
TaQuon Marshall can ball:
You saw it from his very first game this year against Tennessee.
In a game Georgia Tech should have won, TaQuon Marshall had his coming out party.
He showed toughness, heart and most importantly that he belonged in Paul Johnson’s offense on every one of his 44 carries for 249 yards.
His confidence and ability have continued to grow throughout the season, and he has managed the Yellow Jacket offense quite nicely.
Marshall has 704 rushing yards on the season, averaging 117 yards per game. He also has 11 touchdowns so far, five of them from the Tenessee game we eluded to earlier.
The junior is a gamechanger for Georgia Tech’s offense and if he can gain confidence and move the ball against Clemson’s defense, watch out.
Clemson’s defense vs. Georgia Tech’s offense:
That’s what it has to come down to, right?
After getting embarrassed two weeks ago against Syracuse, nobody has a worse taste in their mouth than Brent Venables.
As we touched on earlier in the week, Venables has sort of been the “Paul Johnson whisperer” as of late.
In the last two years, the Yellow Jackets have averaged only 83 yards rushing per game against Clemson in their run-heavy option attack.
In games not against Clemson the last two years, Georgia Tech has averaged 272.5 yards per game on the ground.
If Clemson’s defense can hold the Yellow Jackets to less than 14 points, then the Tigers should be able to get back to their winning ways.
Kelly Bryant (duh):
We had to include this even though we don’t need to tell you twice.
It’s no secret that Bryant has been nursing his injured left ankle all week and no one knows how good he is really feeling except him.
If he is back to 100 percent on the field, then Clemson should be able to handle its business. But that is a big “if.”
It sounds like Clemson is planning on starting Bryant this evening and he will most likely play the entire game unless he cannot continue.
Dabo Swinney said earlier this week that if Bryant had not been concussed against Syracuse, he would have kept him in the game, which has to be concerning to Clemson fans after how hobbled he looked right before Bryant’s concussion.
It’ll be interesting to see how this situation unfolds and if Clemson makes the same mistake twice by playing an unhealthy Bryant.
With all that being said, Clemson is playing angry tonight, and you’ll be able to notice that in their demeanor right away. Offensive and kicking struggles are a concern, but if Clemson’s defense can get back on the right track, it’ll leave the Tigers with little room for error on a cold, rainy night.
Only a little room for error though.
Georgia Tech is legitimately two plays away from being undefeated, and the Tigers can’t take that lightly. If the defense plays to its capabilities, the Yellow Jackets should not score more than 14 points.
Clemson should be able to do just enough to right the ship and get back to its winning ways. Yes, a field goal will be made in this game, we just don’t know who will kick it.
Clemson wins 24-13.