When Appalachian State visits 12th-ranked Clemson this Saturday in Death Valley, they will bring in a defense that has allowed an average of 255 yards per game in its last seven outings, which dates back to the last six games of last year.
In their 49-0 victory over Howard last Saturday, the Mountaineers allowed just eight first downs and just 172 total yards. Howard averaged just 1.2 yards on 36 carries.
“They play with a lot of confidence,” Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson said.
The Tigers (1-0) are playing with a lot of confidence, too. With Watson at the helm in 2014, Clemson averaged better than 540 yards and 42 points per game. In their season-opening win over Wofford, the Tigers tallied 533 yards and scored 49 points.
Like Clemson’s offense, App. State’s defense is aggressive and comes after the quarterback, while also breaking things up in the running game.
The Tigers on the other hand are just as aggressive. Clemson ran 30 snaps in the opening quarter last weekend and was a perfect five-for-five in touchdown drives in which Watson was behind the center.
“Whatever they give me, I’m going to take,” Watson said. “We are going to play fast. We are going to be aggressive. We are going to be aggressive running the ball, we are going to be aggressive throwing the ball deep and we are going to take the short gain.
“You can’t go broke making a profit so I’m going to take what they give me and go from there.”
Watson did a good job of that against Wofford. The Terriers sometimes dropped eight men in coverage at times so he just took what was there and let his playmakers do their thing. He finished the afternoon 18 of 22 for 194 yards and two touchdowns.
The Mountaineers (1-0) are likely to take a different approach and will bring pressure, especially considering the Tigers are starting a true freshman in Mitch Hyatt at left tackle.
“Of course every team is going to give us their best shot. They are coming in here wanting to beat us so we just have to play our ‘A’ game,” Watson said.
And that means possibly throwing it deep to Charone Peake, Artavis Scott or Germone Hopper when the Mountaineers bring pressure.
“It is always fun to know we have a chance to throw a little more,” Watson said. “It depends on what App State comes in and wants to do on Saturday. They may show one thing one week, and change the next. It depends.
“We are going to be prepared for any situation, and when Saturday comes we will find out what they are going to do.”
Appalachian State comes into Death Valley riding a seven-game winning streak.