Clemson (5-0) vs. Wake Forest (3-2) Game Preview
One Reason Why Wake Forest Will Win
Just how healthy and how okay is Trevor Lawrence? After getting knocked out of the win over Syracuse, the superstar freshman quarterback is expected to play, but …
He was just okay against the Orange before getting hurt, and now, will he be limited a bit?
Overall, Clemson is still unbeaten, and it’s been good, but it’s also been a tad shaky. It’s not doing enough to keep the offense on the field – it’s last in the ACC in time of possession – and the offensive line has been a wee bit leaky at times against the pass rush.
That’s the last thing Lawrence needs.
Offensively, Wake Forest has to get the running game going early. It was able to rumble on Notre Dame’s defense, and it hit Boston College for almost 300 yards. Even if it’s a grind against this Tiger defensive front, the Demon Deacons have to give it a try.
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One Reason Why Clemson Will Win
The defensive front hasn’t been quite the all-timer dominant force it was expected to be, but it’s been very, very good.
The pass rush wasn’t there against Syracuse, but it’s been great throughout the year, and it’s been outstanding at camping out behind the line and stopping the run.
How good as has the run D been? It only allowed over 100 rushing yards in the four FBS games so far. The one team to hit the mark was Georgia Tech and its option offense – it only ran for 146 yards.
The Tigers have yet to allow anyone to run for more than 2.6 yards per carry. The Demon Deacon passing offense hasn’t been bad, but the running game has to work to win.
The running game isn’t going to work.
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What’s Going To Happen
Clemson has won 11 of the last 12 in the series including the last nine.
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the Tigers, but they should be able to get the offense going against a Wake Forest defense that gives up points in bunches. Travis Etienne and the ground game will take the pressure off the passing game.
This is a good enough Demon Deacon offense to do a little damage, but Clemson will get the defensive performance to make this a breather. And after last week’s close call vs Syracuse, the Tigers will be looking to try and run up the score to impress pollsters.
Prediction & Line
Clemson 54, Wake Forest 23
Line: Clemson -19, o/u: 61.5
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