At the least, tomorrow's game has a lot of meaning for both programs. Tech needs a win to stay in the Coastal division title hunt (along with two VPI conference losses). A win at Clemson would leave the Jackets one win away from their 12th straight bowl bid with UVA, Free Shoes U., @UNC, Thug U, and UGAy left. Clemson needs a win for respect and confirmation that they made the right move by ousting CTB. A win by Tech would put Clemson at 3-4, with @BC, @FSU, Duke, @UVA, and USC left.
The Offensive O-Line
So I have a class with one of our offensive lineman, Joseph Gilbert. Gotta be honest, the guy looks like a rhino, and I would not want to be lining up across the LOS from him. Unfortunately, like every aspect of football, the O-line isn't about one guy. It's about five guys working together to open up holes for Nesbitt, Dwyer, and the A-backs. I believe the line will be much improved after last week's poor effort (only 79 yards on the ground, 210 short of our season average). Then again, don't be surprised if Clemson's D is playing with passion tomorrow after the emotional turmoil this past week, which could make things worse for our O-line. Good article about our line and how they've had a tough time transitioning to the CPJ's new schemes (though you wouldn't know it considering we're 8th in the nation in rushing ypg).
Nesbitt Returns
Sophmore QB Josh Nesbitt will be making his first start in three weeks on Saturday after suffering a pulled hamstring in the first drive of the 38-7 win over Miss. State. He says he's mentally ready for the Clemson game, but it's hard for any player to get used to the speed of the game after a prolonged injury-induced layoff. Nesbitt might get off to a slow start cause of some rust, but expect him to be back to 100% mentally after the first drive (also--a slow Nesbitt is much better than Booker in at QB).
Clemson wins if...
They win the turnover battle. And Willy Korn has a near perfect game and throws no picks. And Davis rushes for over 100 yards. It will take a balanced attack by the Clemson offense to keep Tech's ferocious defense on its heels.
Tech wins if...
Any of the above three do not happen. After a tumultuous week like this for the Tigers, it's tough to ask a team of 18-22 year old guys to go out on the field and give all they have for their school. Not to mention Clemson will be without RB CJ Spiller, arguably their biggest playmaker. Clemson has also been making changes on their O-line, which is not a good recipe leading into a game against the team that leads the nation in tackles for loss. And that's just the beginning of the problems for the Tigers. Keep in mind that Tech is coming off a much-too-close 10-7 win against Gardner-Webb a week ago, and you can bet that CPJ has been roasting our guys all week. Don't expect another clunker by the Tech offense after what happened last Saturday. Don't forget about Nesbitt being back at the helm for Tech. He will bring a new dimension that was lacking with Booker under center.
Prediction
Tech wins 27-10. I don't see Clemson getting any more than 250 yards on offense. Expect Tech to force 2+ turnovers against an inexperienced QB in Willy Korn and to shutdown James Davis. Nebsitt has a solid day in his return.
A video to leave you with...
Turning point of last year's 13-3 Tech win over Clemson in ATL.
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