Cerebral warfare headlines key matchups for Clemson vs. Miami
By: Cameron Burnett October 20, 2023

CLEMSON – The Clemson Tigers have found a way to control the narrative of their last few games. It’s a result of Clemson finding the crucial matchups and winning them early and often.

Heading down to Hard Rock Stadium to take on Miami, it’s another week for the Tigers to do this chat. The Hurricanes have playmakers on both sides, and here’s the matchups to watch that include some reinforcements for Clemson.

Sheridan Jones and Nate Wiggins vs. Miami WRs

There’s no better time to welcome back Wiggins to the rotation than this game. With a pair of receivers totaling over 1,000 yards in Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George, a lot of pressure is on the Tigers’ veteran cornerbacks.

Wiggins and Jones have proved to be lockdown corners in 2023, and it’s time for the pair to show it again. Given the struggles Miami had with two turnovers last week, it’s Clemson’s time to capitalize on those mistakes.

Clemson OL vs. Miami DL

Over the last few weeks, Thomas Austin’s unit is proving to be extreme to reliable for the Tigers. Quarterback Cade Klubnik stayed clean and the run game was prevalent late against Wake Forest, a clear representation of success on the offensive line.

Even against a run-heavy North Carolina team, Miami had five sacks on Drake Maye so imagine what they would’ve done if they Tar Heels hadn’t ran the ball with such success.

This can be a double whammy for a Clemson: create holes in the run game and keep Klubnik comfortable and the Tigers offense can flourish on the road.

Garrett Riley vs. Lance Guidry

A pair of first-year coordinators at their respective schools, who winsthe chess match may decide the result. Guidry leads a prolific pass rush with playmakers on the backend.

For Clemson’s offense, the “dirt raid” should be prevalent to limit pressure on Klubnik, but seeing how Riley’s connection with his quarterback grew in the bye week will be under the microscope.

Coaching battles never gets the credit they deserve, and this is one of those ones. Clemson takes on Miami Saturday at 8 p.m., televised on ACC Network.