ACC Championship Preview.
#1 Clemson (11-1) vs #7 Miami (10-1)
Saturday; 8:00 / ABC
Clemson -9.5
We have been waiting for this matchup for several weeks now. It appeared that two very hot teams would be going into this title game; but that changed after what happened last Friday. Inexplicably, Miami went to Pittsburgh and essentially got pushed around by the 5-7 Panthers, 24-14. The loss just about removed the Hurricanes from playoff consideration. They need a TCU and an Ohio State win in their title games, and even that is no sure thing. All that Clemson will need is a win for their third consecutive playoff appearance.
Clemson has been rolling since their ugly loss to Syracuse back on October 13. Their resume is solid due to victories over Top 25 Auburn, Louisville, Virginia Tech, NC State and last week's 38-10 ripping at South Carolina. It has been a collaborative effort on offense. Nobody has rushing for a thousand yards or has a thousand yards receiving with Clemson. However, three players have over 600 rushing yards led by Travis Etienne's 720. Etienne is a threat for a big play at any time, but could be hampered by a leg injury. Nine players have a touchdown reception with Deon Cain having five. All of it is directed masterfully by quarterback, Kelly Bryant.
The Tiger defense has developed a reputation of a strong front and this year has been no exception. Even with the stiff competition it faced, they still held four opponents under ten points and five rushing touchdowns all year. Nobody has rushed for over 200 yards against them and rank seventh in the country in tackles for loss.
It's amazing to think that this is Miami's first appearance in an ACC title game. Virginia Tech has been in the way for the most part since they both joined the conference back in 2004. The Canes thrashed the Hokies this year along with Notre Dame heading into the fiasco in Pittsburgh. Miami needs its defense to get control of the game and cause Clemson to make mistakes and create turnovers, something it didn't do in Pittsburgh. This offense alone won't get the job done against Clemson, especially since receiver Ahmmon Richards is out due to a knee injury.
Clemson has been here before and done this before. They are seeking their fourth ACC title and third straight. I don't see the Miami offense overcoming the fierce front four of Clemson. The Tigers are too solid of a team to expect many mistakes.
Clemson 45-21
