They both lead their respective teams in yards and receptions. They both are explosive playmakers that can change the outlook of a game with one missed tackle. They both rank among the ACC’s best in terms of yards, catches and touchdowns. They both share the same last name.
The only thing different about Clemson’s Artavis Scott and Miami’s Rashawn Scott is their size and weight. Artavis stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 190 pounds. Rashawn is 6-foot-2 and weighs 203 pounds. The two will watch the other from the sideline when No. 6 Clemson visits Miami’s Sun Life Stadium on Saturday.
“There is a little bit different style on the perimeter, but both are equally as effective. There is no question about it,” Miami head coach Al Golden said. “They are both having really good years and it will be a great challenge for both sides on Saturday.”
Artavis leads the Tigers and ranks second in the ACC with 39 receptions for 443 yards, his 73.8 yards per game ranks third in the conference, while his four touchdowns are tied for second. Rashawn leads the Hurricanes and ranks fourth in the ACC with 33 receptions for 446 yards, his 74.3 yards per game ranks second in the ACC and he too is tied for second in the conference with four touchdowns.
“Their last name is a similarity, their production is a similarity, the have both caught vertical throws … really both have caught just about any throw you can make. Those would be the similarities,” Golden said.
So which receiver will be the more dangerous one of the two Scotts?
“We will find out on Saturday,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said. “They are both great players. There is no doubt about that. Scott for them is their leading guy. He has 33 catches or so, and Artavis obviously has been a dynamic playmaker for us.
“I know this, I like my guy. I’m not going to trade him for anybody. He is a great football player, but we certainly see the same thing.”
In Last week’s victory over Boston College, still the nation’s No. 1 ranked defense, Scott hauled in 10 passes for 162 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown pass. He also had receptions of 50 and 33 yards in the game.
Rashawn is coming off a two-touchdown performance in the Hurricanes’ win over Virginia Tech last week. That followed a six-catch, 108-yard, one touchdown effort against Florida State. He also had 9 catches for 151 yards against Nebraska.
The winner of this Scott vs. Scott battle might be the team that comes out the winner on Saturday afternoon in Miami Gardens. And that very well could come down to which secondary can handle the other’s Scott the best.
Clemson’s pass defense ranks second in the nation in completion percentage defense at 43.8 percent, while it’s 12th in passing yards allowed at 167.5 per game.
“They have length and range at safety and coverage skills at corner. They are a very challenging group,” Golden said.
Miami’s secondary is allowing opponents to complete 59 percent of their passes for 212 yards a game, which ranks 52nd nationally and 11th in the ACC. However, the ‘Canes lead the ACC with 11 interceptions, which ranks seventh nationally.
“Their secondary has 11 interceptions amongst them,” Swinney said. “They are a very experienced group in the back end so it will be another big challenge for us.”
Miami’s Rashawn Scott is coming off a two-touchdown performance in the Hurricanes’ win over Virginia Tech last week. That followed a six-catch, 108-yard, one touchdown effort against Florida State. He also had 9 catches for 151 yards against Nebraska. (photo: USA Today)