Kyle Parker hoping to relive a strong performance against Georgia Tech earlier this season with fewer mistakes.
Sure, last week sucked for both of these teams, but we are going to see a great game between Clemson and Georgia Tech this Saturday at 8 p.m. EST on the 4LN. Here are some thoughts I have going into my preview/prediction for the game…
- Before the dud games that were Clemson-SC/Georgia-Georgia Tech, everyone could have gone with the, “boy, these teams have improved since their meeting in September. Now, we really do not know. Both offenses are definitely improved from the game still, but Georgia Tech made a number of mistakes/suffered some injuries while Clemson was shut down by the Gamecocks with a lot of pressure on Parker. It is hard to see where either team gained an advantage after last week.
- The September matchup was a streaky game as the Jackets scored the first 24, Clemson put the next 27 on the board, and Georgia Tech would amass the final 6 points for the 30-27 victory.
- Big plays are Clemson’s weapon and they burned Georgia Tech multiple times in game one of this two game series. C.J. Spiller had his moments, but Jacoby Ford broke out also and would have had the game-changing score in the 4th quarter if not for a (phantom) holding call.
- There is no question that Georgia Tech’s passing game has become a lot smoother between September 10 and now as they have the 7th ranked efficient passing game in the nation.
- Georgia Tech only put field goals on the board on their sustained drives vs. Clemson. Big passing and running plays like a huge run by Allen in the first quarter would be how the Jackets put TDs on the board.
- Clemson sold out to stop the dive play with Dwyer with their big DTs in Jenkins and Thompson. Nesbitt and Allen were the most effective weapons for Georgia Tech.
- Kyle Parker had a great day against the Jackets’ D with 3 TDs in his first road start. Having guys like Spiller and Ford help you in that area. The biggest weapon that was not being used back on September 10 that is a major factor now–is TEs Michael Palmer and Dwayne Allen in the passing game. They pick up key down conversions for the Tigers when the line can protect.
- In light of what happened in those rivalry games, Georgia Tech should look to step up the pressure on Parker as it is their only shot to thwart the Tigers. Clemson, on the other hand, needs to follow the model of Georgia with keeping it on the ground for big yardage and ball control.
- There are several troubling elements to Georgia Tech’s defense, but being 90th in the country in tackles for loss is not good. Means that Clemson should be moving forward with each play.
- Clemson’s rushing defense has been suspect of late with Viriginia and South Carolina’s use of the wildcat package. If you watch the South Carolina game though, the defense made a number of stops and single-handedly kept Clemson in the game. In the Virginia game, they gave up 21 in the first half and zero in the second half.
There’s some of my thoughts going into the game…honestly, I do not have my pick locked and loaded yet…I will ask for your picks on Thursday when I give mine, but here’s your chance to sway me in one direction or the other with an argument. Should be a close game one way or the other.
