It’s Military Appreciation Day in Clemson this weekend as the Tigers welcome Citadel to town, looking to remain unbeaten against FCS competition.
It’s also Senior Day, with Clemson set to honor more than 30 players on Saturday. This senior class holds a 38-12 record in the last four years, the
seventh-most wins in the nation in that span. With two more wins, it can become the 11th consecutive Clemson class to win at least 40 games in a four-year span.
The Tigers are attempting to extend its school-record streak by winning nine games for a 14th consecutive season. Entering 2024, Alabama (16) and Clemson (13) had the longest active streaks of nine-win seasons in the country.
5 Things to Watch
1. Who’s Actually Playing: This is one beat up Clemson team, especially along the offensive line. The Tigers have FIVE reserve linemen that are now done for the season. Add in starters Marcus Tate and Tristan Leigh both basically missing the past two games and there are a lot of questions surrounding who the staff runs out there against the Bulldogs. Fortunately, this is a game Clemson should win no matter who plays. If Tate and Leigh need another week, you can give it to them.
The Tigers are also dealing with injuries to two key guys on the other side of the ball. Wade Woodaz and R.J. Mickens are both nursing injuries. It’s the same thing with them, though. Let them sit this one out if need be.
With Clemson coming in as more than a 50-point favorite, the hope would be to build a big lead and get the starters off the field in an effort to keep as many as possible healthy for the rivalry matchup against South Carolina.
2. Let’s See Those Backup Backs: The coaches are taking a lot of heat from some about the workload Phil Mafah has carried over the past three games. While I can fully understand the concept of wanting the best player on the field, this game affords you the opportunity to get the backup running backs some work. Let Mafah get the three yards he needs to go over 1,000 then start handing it to Jay Haynes, Keith Adams Jr. and David Eziomume, who can still play in the final two regular season games and keep his redshirt.
3. Keep the Pressure On: Clemson’s pass rush was as good as we’ve seen it in the win over Pitt. T.J. Parker was not able to be blocked, registering a career-high four sacks. Jahiem Lawson looked like he was ready to be an every down end and that allowed Peter Woods to move back inside. This isn’t your typical old-school Citadel team that runs a lot of option. The Bulldogs will throw it around some, so getting pressure is a must. This defense is starting to gain a little momentum over the past two weeks, and it would be nice to keep that rolling with South Carolina visiting on November 30.
4. Can Corners Bounce Back: Clemson’s pass defense left a lot to be desired in the second half against Pitt. Yes, the offense hung the defense out to dry over the final two quarters, but the cornerbacks did not have their best game. And it wasn’t isolated to just one player. Even Dabo Swinney mentioned the group specifically after the game. The corners needs to be better than they were last week and across the board.
5. Keep The Special Teams Rolling: After experiencing so many struggles over the course of the season, the special teams were pretty strong against Pitt. Nolan Hauser was finally able to get enough protection to get off a long field goal and put it through the uprights. Six of Aidan Swanson’s eight punts pinned the Panthers inside the 20-yard line and he averaged 42.4 yards per attempt. And Antonio Williams actually returned a punt for 13 yards. Can this group put together back-to-back games of solid performances?
A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
