Written by Adrian Beecher
Charlotte, NC - Miami and Clemson are set to battle for a spot in the College Football Playoff on Saturday, in the 2017 ACC Championship game. It will be the Canes 1st time playing for the ACC title, while the Tigers are looking to claim the trophy for a 3rd straight year and come into the game ranked 1st in the country.
Last week, Miami suffered their first loss of the season, coming at the hands of the PITT Panthers, ironically the same team that handed Clemson their only loss in 2016. The loss dropped Miami from 2nd in the CFP rankings down to 7th, eliminating any chance for a two-team scenario for the ACC in the CFP.
The main thing that has catapulted the Hurricanes this season has been their nation-leading turnover margin of +1.55. In fact, during one stretch of the season, Miami forced four turnovers in four consecutive games. Additionally, the Canes lead the nation in sacks, averaging 3.55 sacks per game. Every time the Canes get a turnover, the now infamous “Turnover Chain” makes an appearance. Miami can only hope that the turnover chain makes a few appearances on Saturday night in Charlotte, playing against one of the top defenses in the country in Clemson.
The Tigers boast the 4th best scoring defense in the country, allowing an average of 13.6 points per game. Teams aren’t able to move the ball easily on the defense either, only allowing an average of 283.3 yards per game. Additionally, the Tigers are only allowing 4.34 yards per play this season.
Now, offensively, quarterback Kelly Bryant is in his first year as a starter at Clemson and is locked in. He leads the ACC in pass percentage (66.4%) and is ninth in the country. A large reason for that is Clemson’s stout offensive line led by junior offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt. Named the 2017 Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner, the first Tiger to win the award since 1987. Clemson only gives up under two sacks a game on average.
What is on the line will surely be enough to get both of these teams plenty hyped to play this one Saturday. The ACC Championship and a spot in the 4th ever College Football Playoff, along with bragging rights for a year. Despite Clemson being a 7.5-point favorite, expect it to be closer than many think.
Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM on ABC in Charlotte, NC Saturday December 2nd.
Last week, Miami suffered their first loss of the season, coming at the hands of the PITT Panthers, ironically the same team that handed Clemson their only loss in 2016. The loss dropped Miami from 2nd in the CFP rankings down to 7th, eliminating any chance for a two-team scenario for the ACC in the CFP.
The main thing that has catapulted the Hurricanes this season has been their nation-leading turnover margin of +1.55. In fact, during one stretch of the season, Miami forced four turnovers in four consecutive games. Additionally, the Canes lead the nation in sacks, averaging 3.55 sacks per game. Every time the Canes get a turnover, the now infamous “Turnover Chain” makes an appearance. Miami can only hope that the turnover chain makes a few appearances on Saturday night in Charlotte, playing against one of the top defenses in the country in Clemson.
The Tigers boast the 4th best scoring defense in the country, allowing an average of 13.6 points per game. Teams aren’t able to move the ball easily on the defense either, only allowing an average of 283.3 yards per game. Additionally, the Tigers are only allowing 4.34 yards per play this season.
Now, offensively, quarterback Kelly Bryant is in his first year as a starter at Clemson and is locked in. He leads the ACC in pass percentage (66.4%) and is ninth in the country. A large reason for that is Clemson’s stout offensive line led by junior offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt. Named the 2017 Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner, the first Tiger to win the award since 1987. Clemson only gives up under two sacks a game on average.
What is on the line will surely be enough to get both of these teams plenty hyped to play this one Saturday. The ACC Championship and a spot in the 4th ever College Football Playoff, along with bragging rights for a year. Despite Clemson being a 7.5-point favorite, expect it to be closer than many think.
Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM on ABC in Charlotte, NC Saturday December 2nd.