Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS) vs. No. 6 Clemson Tigers (4-0 SU, 2-1 ATS)
College Football Week 6
Date/Time: Saturday October 10th, 3:30PM EST
Where: Memorial Stadium Clemson, S.C.
TV: ABC
by Jay, NCAA Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: GT +7/CLEM -7
Over/Under Total: 54
The Clemson Tigers scored an important victory last week in a close contest with Notre Dame. The Tigers successfully defended a two point conversion attempt by the Fighting Irish in the closing seconds to seal a 24-22 victory over 6th ranked Notre Dame. Not only did the victory keep Clemson unbeaten in the ACC but it also keeps the door open on a potential undefeated season. The Tigers will likely be favorites in every game the rest of the season and if they can beat Florida State on November 7th then they will have every chance to run the table. This week Clemson tries to keep those hopes alive in a home stand against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
Georgia Tech has suffered 3 straight losses to start off conference play against the likes of Notre Dame, Duke, and North Carolina most recently. Statistically Georgia Tech has been pretty solid on both offense and defense. The defense ranks 37th giving up just 333 yards per game while offensively the Yellow Jackets rank 6th in the nation in rushing averaging 311 yards per game. Paul Johnsons triple option attack has been one of the best rushing offenses in the country for several years and this offense has historically given Clemson a tough time in recent years.
The Yellow Jackets are usually a tough out for the Tigers because their offense can be difficult to prepare for, difficult to defend, and equally important it can limit the amount of chances Clemson gets on offense when they are able to keep the sticks moving. Last year Georgia Tech handed Clemson one of their worse defeats of the season and held the Tigers to their lowest point total of the year in a 28-6 thumping. In that game, the Yellow Jackets rushed for 251 yards on the ground and come up with a pair of crucial turnovers that turned the game into Georgia Techs favor. This week the Yellow Jackets will need several of those same things to go their way yet again.
For Clemson, the Tigers have a ton of momentum fresh off their big win against Notre Dame with College GameDay on hand. The question is can they keep the momentum going and avoid a Clemsoning type of performance. Thus far the Tigers have shown everything to walk the walk. The defense has been great holding opponents to just 304 yards (23rd in FBS) per game. Offensively, Clemson has a ton of talent mainly behind the sensational play of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson is completing 69% passing with 9 touchdowns and 4 picks on the season and the Tigers sophomore quarterback has been dazzling with his feet as well.
From a matchup standpoint, the Yellow Jackets defense has to find coverages that confuse Watson and force him to get rid of the ball quickly. Of course the fewer chances the Clemson offense gets will be best for Georgia Tech as they try to play keep away with their rushing attack. On paper, this game looks like it should play into Clemsons hands in a big way. However, I am not quite convinced that the Tigers are going impress us again this week. This is sort of a letdown situation against a team that has historically given them trouble. I believe this line nearly begs for Clemson attention but instead I think Georgia Tech may be the sharp play. The Yellow Jackets have been close to scoring that first win even against a team as talented as Notre Dame. If a few things go their way this week, they may deliver a rather surprising upset.
Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: The Yellow Jackets are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall and 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games on the road. I think this is a good spot for Georgia Tech in a matchup that plays to their favor. Take Georgia Tech +7
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