They’re coming to your city! It’s been a chaotic start to the college football season. There have been upsets, dominating performances, and unsung stars that have emerged thus far. After taking a visit to SEC Country, ESPN’s College GameDay has announced its next stop. After a down year from the ACC, the Atlantic Coast Conference has bounced back, and a top 10 showdown is upon us. The #1 Clemson Tigers will take on the #8 Miami Hurricanes in the biggest game the conference will see. College GameDay will be in the building. Clemson has opened up as a two-touchdown favorite but, “The U” has that Miami Swag back and seeks to put the conference and nation on notice.
Miami Hurricanes Offense
Quarterback D’Eriq King is becoming a star. Clemson had a hard time containing Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong in their last outing. The sophomore rushed for 89 yards against the Tigers. If King, who is a better athlete, can attack the edge with the RPO action the Hurricanes will have success. King isn’t Miami’s only threat on the ground. Cam’Ron Harris is averaging more than 8 yards per carry and 104 rushing yards per game this year. He has the ability to run between the tackles and is a home run threat. Miami’s best pass-catcher is tight end Brevin Jordan, who already has 15 catches for 212 yards and three scores this year. He keeps the chains moving, especially on 3rd downs.
Clemson Tigers Offense
Trevor Lawrence gives Clemson the edge. He’s a generational talent that will be a star on the next level. Along with Lawrence, Travis Etienne is a superstar. On Saturday, Etienne posted 19 touches, 187 total yards, touchdowns rushing and receiving. His dual-threat ability will put pressure on the Miami defense not to load to stop the run. Clemson also is one of the best screen teams in the nation. For an aggressive Miami defense, this may cause problems.
Miami Hurricanes Defense
They don’t try to confuse you. The Hurricanes defense has a lot of speed on defense, and the playmakers to be successful. The canes have fueled off of turnovers over the past four seasons. When Miami forces turnovers, they win. The defense has four interceptions and has forced four fumbles with two recovered. The Hurricanes can put four players on the field on the defensive line that are as good as Clemson. The back seven has been subpar. Zach McCloud is do everything linebacker. McCloud is great in pass coverage and can get off blocks and get in the backfield with two sacks for 23 yards lost this season. Amari Carter is a missile from the safety position and will creep to the line of scrimmage to prove helpful in the run game.
Clemson Tigers Defense
Defensively, Clemson is led by one of the best defensive coordinators in the country in Brent Venables. But while the Tigers have featured a defense that has ranked top ten nationally in scoring defense for four straight years, Virginia found success. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong Armstrong passed for 270 yards with three touchdowns while also rushing for 89 yards on 22 carries. This year Clemson defense has had some issues with outside containment and athletic quarterbacks. Clemson has to able to contain Miami’s King as the Tigers have 13 total sacks.
