Clemson will face Furman for the 54th time when they welcome the Paladins into Death Valley this Saturday. Normally, there aren't any big story lines when these to matchup but with Sammy Watkins making his season debut on Saturday there will be some intrigue in this game. How smooth of a transition will it be when the Tigers insert him into an offense that has been good without him?
Clemson's offense vs. Furman's defense
Clemson should be able to move the ball pretty easily. The Paladins have allowed almost 400 yards per game to start the season ranking 90th among FCS schools in passing defense efficiency so Tajh Boyd should be poised for a big game. I'd expect the Tigers to get the ball to Sammy Watkins early and often try for big plays. Furman linebacker Mitch McGrath will need a big game pressuring Boyd if there is any hope for the Paladins to slow down the Tigers passing attack. Another linebacker, Matt Solomon will likely be the leading tackler and have to help slow down the run game. Ellington should have a solid day as well.
Furman's offense vs. Clemson's defense
Freshman Reese Hannon will make his first career start on Saturday. Last week, he came in for the injured Dakota Derrick and received SoCon Freshman of the week honors throwing for 255 yards and 4 touchdowns. Clemson has struggled in the secondary and Hannon will likely try to make a big play early. Also, Clemson's defense has been thrashed by the run ranking 98th in the country in rush defense through 2 games while giving up 216 rush yards per game. Jerodis Williams has been solid at running back will have plenty of chances to run against the Clemson defense. Clemson's line and linebackers have yet to show enough consistency to stop the run.
Special Teams
Clemson's special teams has been very good so far. Catanzaro has showed the ability to make kicks in tight games. Spencer Benton has been getting touchbacks nearly every kickoff and made an ACC record 61 yard field goal against Ball State. Meanwhile, Furman's special teams has been suspect. The Paladins have muffed a punt, allowed a 63 yard kick return, and allowed a blocked PAT through its first 2 games. I would expect Clemson to try to put pressure on the Paladins in the kicking game and possibly return a kick for a TD.
X-Factor
Once again the X-Factor will be Clemson's Dline. The Tigers front 4 have yet to establish consistency and show they are capable of stopping the run. Will they be able to slow down the Furman rushing attack and not look past the Paladins in thinking about the following weeks game against FSU?
Prediction
This week I will expect Clemson's defense to try to set the tone early. So far, Brent Venables defense hasn't been very good and a respectable showing this weekend could build momentum for next week's game against FSU. Expect Sammy Watkins to contribute on a big play early and pick right back where he left off last season. But Clemson will still get major contributions from DeAndre Hopkins and Andre Ellington like they have in the first 2 games. Clemson wins 55-17.
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