The 8th ranked Clemson Tigers (8-1, 6-1) hope to increase their chances for a BCS bowl bid as they host the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-3, 5-2) tonight in Death Valley. Since their 51-14 home beat-down at the hands of Florida State a few weeks back, Clemson has been flying under the radar. After the defeat, the Tigers won their next two games, both on the road, by a combined score of 99-37. Georgia Tech has been having a solid season of its own, boasting a three-game winning streak where they've outscored opponents a combined 112-35.
Clemson is led by a household name in senior quarterback Tajh Boyd. Despite falling out of the Heisman race, Boyd is still having a terrific season ranking 16th nationally in both yards and touchdowns. His main target is junior receiver Sammy Watkins who ranks 11th nationally in yards.
Georgia Tech, as usual under coach Paul Johnson, has one of the top running games in the nation. Currently ranked 4th in the country at 311.2 rushing yards per game, Georgia Tech and its triple option attack can be a nightmare for defenses.
My Pick
Both teams have high powered offenses and respectable defenses. Like last night's game between Northern Illinois and Ball State, I think this game will be decided on the defensive side of the ball and who gets more stops. In the end, I think Clemson will be too much for the Yellow Jackets to handle in Death Valley. Georgia Tech has struggled on the road this season against quality opponents getting blown out by both Miami and BYU and struggles to defend the pass. I like Boyd to have a big game and I think the bye week last week will help the Clemson defense slow down Georgia Tech's dynamic option offense. This game will be a shootout and definitely a fun one to watch. Clemson and the over 58. Clemson 45 Georgia Tech 28
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