Clemson vs. Wake Forest
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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Clemson offense vs. Wake Forest defense Clemson is averaging a respectable 165.6 rushing yards per game thanks in large part to RBs James Davis and C.J. Spiller. Davis is a powerful runner capable of bouncing off would-be tacklers, while Spiller explodes around the corner and has the top-end speed to go the distance when he gets a seam. Davis and Spiller run behind an offensive line that should still be without OG Barry Humphries, who injured his knee in the season opener and isn't expected to return this week. Redshirt freshman Mason Cloy has filled in for Humphries and done a solid job so far, but he and the rest of the Tigers' interior offensive line will be tested by NT Boo Robinson. At 6-foot-2 and 325 pounds, Robinson is a massive run-stopper who can hold his ground when teams commit two blockers to him. His ability to clog up the middle helps free up the rest of the defensive line as well as a talented Wake Forest linebacker corps led by SLB Aaron Curry. Quick and aggressive, Curry is a constant threat to disrupt plays in the backfield. Also, FS Chip Vaughn is one of the most reliable open-field tacklers we've seen on film and is an excellent last line of defense, so it will be tough for Davis and/or Spiller to break big momentum-shifting runs. After throwing for 27 touchdowns and just six interceptions last year, pundits had big expectations for Clemson senior QB Cullen Harper heading into the season. Unfortunately, he hasn't lived up to those expectations thus far. Harper has thrown three touchdown passes and five picks this season, and appears to be hindered by a sore throwing shoulder. This week he faces a stingy Wake Forest pass defense that ranks fifth in the nation with an average of just 144.5 yards per game allowed. However, there's reason to believe the Tigers will have some success moving the ball through the air, and it starts with their receiving corps. At 6-4, Clemson WR Aaron Kelly is substantially taller than Wake CBs Alphonso Smith (5-9) and Brandon Ghee (6-0), and he should come down with any jump balls Harper throws in his direction. No. 2 WR Jacoby Ford has rare top-end speed, and No. 3 Tyler Grisham is capable of getting open working against nickel back Kerry Major. In addition, Wake Forest hasn't had much success getting to the quarterback, so the receivers should have time to separate from coverage and Harper should have time to find them. With all of that in mind, the keys to Harper's success in this game are making sound decisions and taking what the coverage gives him, because the Demon Deacons have already intercepted nine passes this year. |
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