For the first time since 2015, Clemson is not in the College Football Playoff. Still, Clemson can win its 26th bowl game when they face Iowa State in the Cheez-It Bowl. The game will be held in Orlando, Florida. on Dec. 29 at 5:45 p.m.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney will look to build on his team’s five-game winning streak they had exiting the regular season, and based on his statements on Dec. 24, the team is eager for the game.
“There’s been a lot of energy, a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of excitement,” he said. “We went seven straight days in Clemson and obviously had new pieces and things like that, and guys have really done a good job of leading and just practicing with purpose. That’s what it takes to be successful in the postseason.”
Two of the new pieces Swinney referred to are the Tigers’ new coordinators, Brandon Streeter and Wes Goodwin. Streeter will take over as Clemson’s new offensive coordinator, while Goodwin will be the new defensive coordinator.
In his first game in his new role, Streeter will have his hands full against the Cyclones’ defense, which is allowing 21.5 points per game, 24th in the FBS.
“First and foremost, they’re a really good defense,” Streeter said on Sunday. “They got the veteran players that have the experience, and so they complement each other. It’s very obvious they play hard.”
Streeter’s respect towards the Cyclones’ defense is warranted, as Iowa State gives up the ninth fewest passing yards per game in the FBS this season.
Meanwhile, Clemson ranks 106th in passing yards per game this season, so the passing game will need to be opportunistic and sharp on Wednesday.
There is some good news for the Tigers’ offense, as it appears that wide receiver Joseph Ngata will be back for the game. Ngata has been out with a foot injury since Nov. 6, but after practicing on Monday, he will likely be in uniform on game day.
As for the Cyclones’ offense, quarterback Brock Purdy has garnered respect from Clemson linebacker James Skalski.
“Gamer’s a good way to describe [him],” Skalski said of Purdy. “He just makes things happen over and over again and then creates something out of nothing.”
Purdy and the Cyclones’ offense will, however, be without its top running back in Breece Hall, who opted out of the game and declared for the NFL draft.
Hall rushed for 1,472 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, so not having to face him on Wednesday could give Clemson’s defense an extra edge.
Ultimately, Clemson’s defense has proven this season that it can shut down an offense of Iowa State’s caliber. The real question is whether Clemson’s offense can move the ball efficiently and score enough points.
That question will be answered on Wednesday when Clemson and Iowa State face off in the Cheez-It Bowl.
