Jahiem Lawson scooped up a fumble and rumbled 22 yards for a touchdown at Syracuse, rescuing a Clemson offense that never crossed the goal line. The Tigers escaped 18-13 behind Lawson’s return and four Nolan Hauser field goals. Now Dabo Swinney brings them home for Senior Day against a Georgia Tech defense that has spent the past month getting trampled. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Clemson Tigers and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
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Clemson vs. GT prediction, preview
Boston College battered the Yellow Jackets for 399 rushing yards on October 24, including 278 after halftime. Louisville added 251 last week. Brent Key dismissed defensive coordinator Jason Semore and three other assistants after that 44-17 loss, leaving a depleted staff and roster to confront Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds. The freshman has 310 rushing yards this season and closed out Syracuse with a third-and-8 conversion on the ground.
Jarvis Green can do damage, too. He ripped off 53 yards on Clemson’s first snap last week and finished with 85 on nine carries. With leading rusher Gideon Davidson listed out Friday, Green should have another prominent role. Tech’s opponents have generated 3.22 opponent-adjusted line yards per carry, 132nd nationally, a measure of the ground they’re creating near the line of scrimmage. If Green consistently reaches the second level, this spread can get uncomfortable quickly.
Clemson still has to finish those possessions. Reynolds has thrown only three touchdowns in 240 attempts (6.0 yards per attempt), and the Tigers have succeeded on just 36.2% of their offensive plays this season. Their blockers have struggled to erase negative plays, too: Clemson has allowed a sack on 8.8% of passing attempts. Tech has surrendered touchdowns on 52.3% of opposing red-zone trips, so forcing Hauser onto the field again would help the Jackets remain within reach.
That still leaves Alberto Mendoza to solve a Clemson defense capable of wrecking his afternoon. The Yellow Jackets have converted a miserable 29.6% of third downs, and the Tigers have generated havoc on 19.4% of opponents’ plays, including tackles for loss, forced fumbles and passes defended. Tight end Kevin Roche Jr. was listed out Friday, while injuries have stripped depth from Tech’s offensive line. Mendoza needs protection long enough to find Dalen Penson and receiver Jordan Allen.
GT vs. Clemson pick, best bet
Running back Justice Haynes offers a way to stay out of obvious passing situations. He has averaged 5.1 yards on 124 carries, including 87 yards on 12 attempts against Louisville. Clemson’s front allows 3.6 yards per rush, so I’m not expecting Haynes to roll through them untouched. A few productive first-down runs and Mendoza’s short throws can still build enough possessions to support this number.
Clemson’s ground matchup is frightening, and Lawson’s return last week showed how quickly their defense can add to a lead. I’ll take the points anyway. Reynolds and Green can move the ball without solving the Tigers’ persistent trouble finishing drives, leaving Tech room to hang around in a two-score game.
Best bet: Georgia Tech +15.5 (-110)
Projected score: Clemson 27, Georgia Tech 16.
Best Bet: Georgia Tech +15.5 (-110) at Clemson
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