Keys to Victory: No. 1 Clemson vs. No. 12 Texas A&M

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Each week we give you a look at the history of the game, three keys to success, plus our staff predictions.

The Match Up:

#1 Clemson (1-0, 0-0) vs #12 Texas A&M (1-0, 0-0)

Clemson vs. Texas A&M 2018 Highlights:

All-Time Series:

Clemson trails: 2-3

at Clemson:  Series tied 1-1

At Texas A&M: Aggies lead 2-1

Neutral: N/A

Last Meeting: Clemson won 28-26 in 2018

Last Texas A&M win: 27-6 at Texas A&M in 2004

Streak: Clemson has a two-game winning streak against Texas A&M

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Stat of the Week:

Clemson's win last week was the school's 70th ACC regular-season win under Head Coach Dabo Swinney. At 70-16 in such games, Swinney pushed his career winning percentage in ACC regular-season games to .814, moving past College Football Hall of Famer Bobby Bowden (.813) for the top percentage in conference history (minimum three seasons). Swinney entered the year already ranked atop league history in winning percentage in all games (including non-conference and postseason play), a mark he pushed to .796 last week.

© David Grooms/Clemson Sports Talk

Dabo Swinney now has the highest winning percentage in regular-season conference games at 81.4%.

Key 1: Protect Lawrence

In chess, you have to protect the most critical piece on the board, and football’s not much different. 

I’ve seen a lot of people this week questioning Clemson’s being such a massive favorite in this game, but I honestly think it comes down to the fact that the Tigers have Trevor Lawrence and the Aggies don’t

Last weekend, Lawrence didn’t have his best performance going 13-23 for 168 yards and a touchdown. His two interceptions were enough to raise eyebrows in the press box, but after further review, I don’t think either pick should cause any sleeplessness. 

That’s not to say that Texas A&M and Georgia Tech are the same-- clearly, they are not, but both interceptions last weekend were flukey deals. The near pick-six was simply a fortunate, heady, and perhaps lucky play by the Yellow Jacket defender who gambled and won. The other pass, just before the half will end up seven rows deep in the stands the next time Lawrence faces that situation. He wasn’t thinking-- but he learns from his mistakes, and I have no doubt that he learned from that moment.

As long as Clemson can win their matchups up front, Lawrence will have plenty of time to go to work downfield. Keep your eyes on Jackson Carman this weekend as the true sophomore left tackle faces one of his most stringent tests of the season going head-to-head with junior defensive end Micheal Clemons for A&M.

Key 2: Frustrate Mond

Color me skeptical, but I’m not sold on Kellen Mond and his ability to control the game in a hostile environment. While it’s certainly early in the season, Clemson fans know what’s on the line as this might be the Tigers toughest test before a potential playoff visit.

Earlier this week, Swinney noted how loud Clemson’s fans are in Death Valley.

"It takes a lot of focus when you're on the road to block it out. Our fan base is so passionate and loud. I've never sat in the stands here before, but everybody tells me not many people sit down."

Blocking out the noise will be an issue for Mond, but if he makes plays early, he can keep the fans on edge and much more quite than they will be if the Tigers’ play is electric.

As for Swinney, he sees a real threat from the Aggie quarterback.

"He's a big kid, and he can really run. Especially if you watch him, his progression as a passer,” Swinney stated. “Jimbo's done a great job with him. He can really throw the football. With a year under his belt now, he's gonna be very well-coached and very schooled up. He's an excellent leader. He's a very smart player.”

Key 3: Ride Etienne

Last weekend, Travis Etienne carried the ball just 12 times for 205 yards and three touchdowns. Incredibly, his 12 carries were four more than he got a year ago as the featured back in Clemson’s 28-26 win in College Station. 

That night, under soggy conditions, the former A&M commit carried the football just 8 times for 44 yards and a touchdown. 

Tomorrow afternoon, the Tigers have to be willing to feed Etienne the football at least 20 times. If Clemson is going to get back into the College Football Playoff, the staff is going to have to utilize Etienne in games like this. Swinney has praised Etienne this year and his performance last weekend set the stage for a huge opportunity against the Aggies. 

If Etienne hits 150 yards, I’d feel pretty comfortable with what the scoreboard will look like at the end.

Prediction:

Hey!! That’s how we do it! The old 52-13 prediction I threw up last week looks mighty nice, don’t you think? You can’t be much closer than that.

This game is interesting on so many levels, but for me, the biggest story has been the huge spread in Clemson’s favor. The Tigers, at one point, were -19.5 against the Aggies. That’s a monster number. Last weekend, I liked the Tigers big, but this week, I’d take A&M and the points all day long. That just feels like a safe play.

If the Tigers play a clean game, they could undoubtedly win by 20+ points, but it’s still early, and I think they will make some mistakes that keep the game closer than you might like. I think Clemson is the better team and has better talent. When you mix in home-field advantage, I think it pushes the Tigers over the top. That being said, if we are sitting here on Sunday laughing at my terrible prediction, fine by me.

Swanny’s Prediction: 38-23 Clemson

Final Score Predictions: 

Perfect Prediction = 5 points              Best Prediction = 3 Points         Correct Prediction = 1 Point 

👑= 2018 Prediction Champion

**Pick of the Week: Indicates the best prediction.