The TCI staff of Hale McGranahan, Will Vandervort, Robert MacRae, and William Qualkinbush go Around the Horn to answer some of the questions surrounding Clemson athletics and college football.
Which defense will show for Clemson Saturday night?
Robert MacRae – The answer to this question will probably determine the outcome of the ACC Championship Game. If the Clemson defense plays like they did against Notre Dame and Florida State the Tigers will win by double digits. Coach Venables could use some special packages for this one due to all of the playmakers on the Heels offense. The front four will need to get pressure and containment while the secondary will need to play their best game of the season. I expect we will see a better performance from the Clemson D as they are focused on winning the ACC and moving to the playoff.
Will Vandervort: I thought Kevin Dodd said it best earlier this week. “This is what we have been waiting for. Everything we have worked for is sitting right in front of us. Yes we are tired. Yes we are a little sore, but who isn’t this time of the year? Everyone is sore. Everyone is tired. But we rather being playing in this game than sitting at home resting. This week is why you are playing. We win this game we are in and that’s what we have been aiming for all year. This week makes you play through the pain and through the soreness.” That is the defense that will show up on Saturday. They will be ready for UNC. They want to win. They are hungry. It also helps that everyone across the country is telling them they can’t stop North Carolina’s offense.
Hale McGranahan – That’s the million dollar question right there. If I’m Brent Venables, my biggest concern is the one-two punch of Elijah Hood and T.J. Logan. Too many times this season Clemson has given up chunk plays on the ground, and Hood and Logan average over six yards per carry, so does Marquise Williams. The Tigers need the stout against the run version of their D to show up if they’re going to punch a ticket to the College Football Playoff. If recent history is any indication, it could be a disappointing night for Clemson.
William Qualkinbush – This defense has been sleepwalking through life since the Florida State game. Granted, Wake Forest did nothing, but that was a given. The next actual test has been this game from the moment the Tigers cemented the win against the Seminoles. Every single time the defense has been questioned or doubted, it has come out and played better than conventional wisdom suggested. I don’t expect anything different against a North Carolina team that won’t be able to overwhelm Clemson with speed like it has the rest of its opponents this season.