Sixth-ranked Clemson will host Georgia Tech in a key ACC game for both teams on Saturday. The Tigers, the preseason favorite to win the ACC, need a victory to stay undefeated and in the race for the College Football Playoffs, while the Yellow Jackets need a win to stay alive in the Coastal Division race. Georgia Tech was picked by the media back in July as the favorite to win the Coastal. The game is set to kick off at 3:30 p.m. on ABC (regionally) and nationally on ESPN2.
About Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets have lost three straight games coming in and they desperately need a victory. Last week, they gave up a 20-0 lead in a 38-31 loss to North Carolina. Saturday’s game will mark the 100th game for head coach Paul Johnson at Georgia Tech.
Georgia Tech’s offense: The Jackets lead the ACC in rushing at 311.8 yards per game, which ranks sixth nationally. They also lead the ACC in scoring at 41.4 points per game, which is 12th nationally. However, most of that production came in the first two games when they scored 134 points against Alcorn State and Tulane. Quarterback Justin Thomas has 214 rushing yards and has scored five touchdowns, but he is averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. Throw the air he has completed just 45.6 percent of his passes for 577 yards and seven touchdowns. He has thrown just two interceptions. The Yellow Jackets have lost five fumbles already this year.
Georgia Tech’s defense: The Yellow Jackets have given up 30 or more points in each of the last three games. They rank 12th in scoring defense (23.6 ppg), 12th in rushing defense (169.6 ypg) and ninth in total defense (333.8) in the ACC. The passing game is allowing opponents to complete 54.6 percent of its passes, though it has recorded five interceptions already this season. Linebacker P.J. Davis leads the team with 34 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss, including two sacks.
Series record: Georgia Tech leads 51-27-2
Games in Clemson: Clemson leads 12-6
First meeting: Clemson won 23-0 in 1898 in Augusta
Last Meeting: Georgia Tech won 28-6 in 2014 in Atlanta
Last Clemson win: Clemson 55, Georgia Tech 31 at Clemson in 2013
Injuries: Clemson – Out: Korrin Wiggins, LB, knee; Mike Williams, WR, Neck; Chris Register, LB, Shoulder; Ryan Norton, C, Knee; Austin Bryant, DE, Knee. Georgia Tech – Out: Broderick Snoddy, A-Back, hand. Questionable: Michael Summers, WR, shoulder. Probable: Patrick Gamble, DT, head.
Stat worth noting: Tech is tied for fifth nationally in red zone touchdown percentage at 83.3 percent. The Yellow Jackets 20 red zone touchdowns are the fourth most in college football.
Second stat worth noting: Since 1983, when Clemson and Georgia Tech became conference foes, the Yellow Jackets have won 17 games, while the Tigers have won 16. It is without a doubt the most competitive series in the ACC over the last 33 years.
Third stat worth noting: Since he became head coach in 2008 at Georgia Tech, Paul Johnson has a career record of 15-4 against ACC teams from the Atlantic Division that includes a 5-3 record against Clemson.
Fourth stat worth noting: Clemson has won 12 straight games in Death Valley. A win on Saturday would tie the school record for consecutive home wins.
Memorable game: Woodrow Dantzler had one of the best all-around games of his career in 2001 as he led the Tigers to a 47-44 overtime win in Atlanta. Georgia Tech had no answer for Clemson’s record-setting quarterback as he threw for two scores and ran for two more, while racking up 164 rushing yards and 254 passing yards. His 38-yard “Hail Mary Run” to conclude the first half, is still considered one of the more exciting plays in Clemson history. With 1:58 to play in the game, he threw a 63-yard touchdown pass to J.J. McKelvey on fourth down to put the Tigers in front by three. In overtime, Dantlzer ran the ball in from 11 yards out to win the game for the Tigers.