Game: Clemson Tigers at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Date & Time: Saturday, September 13, 12:00 PM EST
Venue: Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field, Atlanta, GA
Point Spread: Clemson -3.5
Total: 53.5
An early-season ACC rivalry with major implications is set for a noon kickoff in Atlanta as the Clemson Tigers travel to face the undefeated Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. With a tight point spread of just over a field goal, oddsmakers expect a hard-fought battle at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Clemson Tigers Outlook
The Clemson Tigers enter this conference showdown looking to establish their dominance early in the season. While historically a powerhouse, recent observations suggest potential chinks in the armor. One noted weakness has been an inability to effectively run the football, which could make their offense one-dimensional against a prepared Yellow Jackets defense.
On the injury front, Clemson appears to be in relatively good shape. Coach Dabo Swinney addressed minor issues during fall camp, including a knee injury to a player named Randall, but stated in August that there were “no concerns” about his status. While some players were limited during spring practice, the team enters this Week 3 matchup without any major, publicly reported absences, a positive sign for a team needing to fire on all cylinders on the road.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Outlook
Under Head Coach Brent Key, Georgia Tech has stormed out to a 2-0 start and looks to defend its home turf. The offense has been electric, spearheaded by quarterback Haynes King, who was named the Maxwell National Player of the Week for his performance in Week 1. His ability to create plays is the engine that drives this team.
However, the Yellow Jackets are not without their own concerns. While Coach Key reported the team was largely “injury-free” heading into the season, a few key players have since appeared on the injury report. Wide receiver Malik Rutherford is listed as probable, but the defense will be tested as defensive back Rodney Shelley and defensive lineman A.J. Hoffler have been ruled out. Their absence could be significant against a talented, albeit potentially one-dimensional, Clemson offense.
Prediction
This matchup hinges on a simple question: Can Georgia Tech’s high-powered offense outscore a Clemson team that may struggle to sustain drives if its running game falters?
Georgia Tech has the momentum of a 2-0 start, the energy of a home crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium, and a quarterback in Haynes King who is playing at an elite level. Clemson, meanwhile, has the brand name and the talent but faces legitimate questions about its offensive identity. The 3.5-point spread is critical; in what projects to be a close game, getting more than a field goal with the home underdog is highly appealing.
While Clemson’s defense is always formidable, King and the Yellow Jackets’ offense have enough firepower to put up points. The absence of Shelley and Hoffler on Georgia Tech’s defense is concerning, but Clemson’s noted inability to run the ball may prevent them from fully exploiting those losses. Expect a back-and-forth affair that comes down to the final possessions.
The Pick: Georgia Tech +3.5
Total Pick: Over 53.5
Final Score Prediction: Georgia Tech 31, Clemson 30
Sources:
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