Saturday's matchup against Miami will be a good test for Clemson. The Canes have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. The Tigers can't afford to make too many mistakes or this game could have a bad ending.
Clemson's Offense vs Miami's Defense
The Miami defense will face its toughest test to date. They will have to do it without their leading tackler, Raphael Kirby, who is now out for the season with a serious knee injury. The Canes will need someone to step up and slow Wayne Gallman and the Tiger run game. The Tigers should attack the Hurricane D with a lot of runs up the middle.
With a good run game, Clemson should be able to take shots deep on Miami. The Canes have had some trouble with their secondary and Deshaun Watson can expose those weaknesses. Having 2 deep safeties will help The U prevent the Tigers from completing a lot of deep passes but may not be enough.
Miami's Offense vs Clemson's Defense
Miami has a balanced offense led by quarterback Brad Kaaya. Kaaya averages nearly 300 yards passing per game and has thrown 10 TDs while throwing only 1 interception this year. The pass defense for Clemson will need to be very good. Good pass rush and good secondary play is a must for Clemson.
The Hurricane running game has been solid too. Running back Joe Yearby is a talented playmaker. If he Tigers don't account for him when he's on the field it will be a long day for the Clemson D.
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Special Teams
Miami kicker Brad Badgley has been good all year. He leads the ACC in field goals made. If the game is close he can make a difference. Also, returner Corn Elder can exploit the Tigers kick coverage. A slack special teams performance on Saturday could end Clemson's perfect season.
X-Factor
3rd Down conversions will be a big factor in this game. Miami has struggled to convert 3rd downs. They will need to change that Saturday if they plan to win. The Tiger D knows this and will be aggressive on 1st and 2nd downs to set up 3rd and longs. On the opposite side it will be important for the Canes' D to get off the field. If Clemson converts most of its 3rd downs they will wear down the Hurrican defense.
Prediction
Miami is one of the few teams in the ACC that has an offense capable of hanging with Clemson. Good quarterback play goes a long way in equalizing 2 teams and Kaaya is more than capable. Against bigtime opponents he has been able to keep the Canes in the game but late they have been inconsistent. The Tiger D should be able to get enough stops while Watson and company will be able to put up enough points to win this game comfortably. Prediction: Clemson wins 37-20.
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