Clemson, SC – It’s Game Day in Death Valley where the No. 15 Tigers battle Georgia Tech in an ACC showdown.

Location: Memorial Stadium (Death Valley)

Kickoff:  3:35 PM

Television:   ESPN

2012 Record: Clemson 4-1  Georgia Tech 2-3

ACC Record: Clemson 1-1  Georgia Tech 1-2

Series History: Georgia Tech leads 50-25-2

Last Meeting:  Georgia Tech won 31-17 in Atlanta

Hopkins Sets Third Major Record

Clemson’s DeAndre Hopkins is having a record setting season.  In the first game of the season Hopkins caught 13 passes to set the single game record.  In the third game he tied the single game mark with three touchdown catches.  Last week at Boston College Hopkins set the single game mark for receiving yards.

Ellington Career High in All-Purpose Yards

Andre had a career-high 264 all-purpose yards in the win over Boston College.  He became the first player in Clemson history to have at least 125 yards in two different all-purpose running categories in a single game.

Ellington now has 2,870 career rushing yards, sixth in Clemson history.  He needs just 130 yards to become Clemson’s fifth 3000 yard rusher.

Watkins Back

Sammy Watkins returned to practice on Monday and is expected to play Saturday afternoon against the Jackets.

Another MVP for Boyd

Last week Tajh Boyd received the MVP award for the Boston College game.  Last fall he earned the MVP award when Clemson won the ACC Championship.

Tajh completed 28-38 passes for 367 yards and three touchdowns leading Clemson over Boston College.  He also rushed for 42 yards.

Tight Series

The Clemson vs. Georgia Tech series has included a number of close games over the last few decades.  Twelve of the last 17 games have been decided by five points or less.

Saturday’s game will be Dabo Swinney’s sixth game against the Jackets.  Dabo is 1-4 against Georgia Tech heading the game.

Defense Solid on Third Down and in Red Zone

Clemson’s defense has been solid on third down and in the red zone this season.  The Tigers rank first in the ACC in turnover margin with a +1 figure.  That has helped the Clemson defense only allow 12 scores in 17 appearances in the red zone by the opponent.  Five of those scores have been field goals.

Clemson’s defense has only allowed 22-71 conversions on third down.  That is good enough for third in the ACC.

TCI Prediction

Robert – Clemson 52 Georgia Tech 31

Will – Clemson 49 Georgia Tech 28

Heath – Clemson 37 Georgia Tech 20

Ed – Clemson  41 Georgia Tech 28