Saturday night, Clemson will travel to Durham, NorthCarolina, to take on the Duke Blue Devils. Duke has gained bowl eligibility for the first time since the early 90's and isn't a pushover as it normally is. Both teams will be fighting to keep pace in their divisions and have the firepower to make this a high scoring affair.
Clemson's Offense vs. Duke's Defense
The Dukies have a big task on their hands when Clemson's offense is on the field. The Blue Devils are 9th in scoring defense in the ACC and will be looking to force turnovers in order to slow down the high powered Clemson offense. Defensive back, Ross Cockrell, leads the ACC in interceptions and pass breakups and will be a factor if Duke hopes to win. He is a very instinctive defensive back and likely will have to cover DeAndre Hopkins which is no small task. Hopkins will have a fight on his hands but should be able to be his normal self and get open. Even if Cockrell locks down Hopkins, Sammy Watkins should be able to get open and make big plays. Safety Walt Canty leads Duke in tackles while Kenny Anunike has done a good job of getting to opposing quarterbacks. Clemson's line will be sure to make sure they block him on each play in order to protect Tajh Boyd or to open up wholes for Andre Ellington.
Clemson's Defense vs. Duke's Defense
Duke's offense is led by 3rd year starter, Sean Renfree. Renfree has been very effective at quarterback. His top receiver, Connor Vernon, holds the career ACC receptions record at 252. Renfree will target Vernon early and often. The Clemson secondary may struggle with the Duke passing game but if they can keep them from getting big plays they should be able to contain them as Duke is not very good in the Red zone. Malliciah Goodman and the rest of Clemson's defensive line will have trouble putting pressure on Renfree as the Blue Devils' O-line is very good. Expect, defensive coordinator, Brent Venables to call blitzes throughout the game in order to get pressure.
Special Teams
Special teams could be an advantage for Duke. Ross Martin is a good kicker and Will Monday is first in the ACC in punt average. Monday will likely keep Clemson out of good field position. Also, Duke's Lee Butler, averages 17 yards per punt return and has the ability to score every time he touches the ball as a returner. Expect Spencer Benton to punt the ball away from Butler. Clemson hasn't done anything great on special teams ,thus far, but has managed keep special teams from beating them.
X-Factor
Red zone performance will likely be major factor in the outcome of the game. Coming up with touchdowns in the red zone will be critical. Settling for field goals likely won't get the job down as both teams can move the ball pretty easily. Clemson is very good inside the 20 on both sides of the ball and that can prove huge in defeating a solid Blue Devil team.
Prediction
If you like offense, this is will be a game you'll like. With 2 very good quarterbacks going head to head, we could see Boyd and Rennfree trying to match one another. Also, 3 of the top receivers in the ACC will be on display in Vernon, Hopkins, and Watkins. Clemson should have the advantage as they are very good in the red zone and in a game like this coming up with points when you have the opportunity will be critical. Clemson wins 45-30.
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