Over the summer the future of college football was uncertain and no one knew if this day would come or not this fall. But after much anticipation, Clemson’s home opener is finally here. Although Death Valley will not be as packed as it usually is, 19,000 fans will still be allowed to enter Memorial Stadium and cheer on the dear ole’ sons of Clemson as they battle the Citadel at 4 p.m. ET on the ACC Network. The Tigers are 94-17-8 in home openers against 38 different opponents. Clemson leads the all-time series vs the Citadel at 32-5-1, and they also carry an undefeated streak into Saturday’s game vs FCS opponents at 34-0.
Clemson Players to Watch
Bryan Bresee DL: With Tyler Davis out due to injury, Bresee will possibly get his first collegiate start in place of the All ACC defender. Bresee brings a physicality and versatility that was missed last year on the defensive line.
Derion Kendrick CB: The former wide receiver turned cornerback, turned All ACC cornerback, missed last week’s game against Wake Forest due to undisclosed reasons. It will be interesting to see how Kendrick will play against a triple option offense. Kendrick is great defending the pass, but his run support was questionable last year.
Mike Jones Jr LB: Safe to say Mike Jones Jr. had a great first career start as a strong side backer. He recorded three solo tackles and two assisted tackles. One thing to watch on Saturday is Jones when he lines up against the Tight End in the triple option offense. Is he physical enough to play that close to the line?
Citadel Players to Watch
Brandon Rainey QB: The key to the triple option is an athletic quarterback who can make decisions on the fly. Rainey had a terrible day passing against South Florida last week going 4-18 for 84 yards. But, granted he is in the game more for his speed and running ability, rather than his accuracy in throwing the ball. Rainey had 22 carries for 65 yards on the ground. The key for Clemson’s defense is to get Citadel in a lot of third and long situations.
Willie Eubanks III LB:Last week Willie Eubanks recorded 12 solo tackles and a sack against South Florida. Citadel’s defense provides multiple looks, but primarily runs a 3-4 defense. Eubanks could cause some early problems in the run game for Clemson. Eubanks is your classic sideline to sideline linebacker, so look out for him on Saturday.
Sean-Thomas Faulkner DB: Faulkner enters the game Citadel’s second leading tackler with ten total tackles. Citadel will have to face a pretty young receiving core. So, could the Citadel secondary cause some problems? Probably not, but Faulkner is an experienced defensive back who will have his hands full on Saturday afternoon with the explosive Clemson offense.
Prediction: Clemson will beat Citadel 52 – 7
Clemson brings too much explosiveness for the bulldogs to keep up with. Lawrence and Etienne will probably only play the first half and then be done because the Tigers are expected to have a comfortable lead by that point. It will be fun to watch the backups and reserves get some runs this Saturday. Another storyline to watch will be the backup quarterback battle between D.J Uiagalelei and Taisun Phommachanh. Uiagelelei got the nod week one, but will he still be the first to run onto the field after Lawrence is out this week? Also who gets the carries once Etienne’s day is done? Is it the talented freshman Pace and Bowman or the veterans in Dukes, Mellusi, and Rencher. Should be a great day in Death Valley on Saturday afternoon to watch the Tigers return to Death Valley.
