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The second week's matches in college football include games between rivals Georgia and South Carolina, and much more.
USA TODAY & # 39; HUI

During the off-season, Texas A & M has given Jimbo Fisher a plaque celebrating the future national championship, with the upcoming date, so do not be surprised that A & M will face a defeat on Saturday night against Clemson. Since the arrival of Fisher this winter, the football program and its supporters have rallied to the idea of ​​progress. It is obvious that progress has been made against the Tigers.

Pushing one of the country's elite programs for 60 minutes may be the best A & M night in years, even though the Aggies have lost. Because of his first chance to show what he is talking about today and his future, Fisher has passed the test. If things go as planned, we will consider this loss as a major moment in Fisher's tenure.

And it's a loss. It's a bit of a different story for Clemson. The Tigers can and must engage in a tough victory on the road against an opponent of the Southeast Conference, even without the recent history of Florida, for example. The Tigers should also be wary of the problems that have arisen against the Aggies – problems that, if left unresolved, could be exploited even further by one of the few national competitors ahead of the team's schedule. .

Start with the high school game, which allowed 430 yards passing and three non-interception touchdowns at A & M quarterback Kellen Mond. The defensive line has played up to the norm, which should not be a surprise: the quartet at the front of Clemson is as good as what you will find in this year's college football, with nearly two depths of contributors to the next level. .

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The idea was that this line would be so effective as to correct potential problems at linebacker or high school. It is true that Clemson's ability to rush the quarter with only four linemen will do wonders for this defense, especially against the weakest opponents in the Atlantic Coast game. But A & M, through Fisher, has shown how a smart offensive formula can counteract an even major disadvantage at the line of scrimmage.

What is less worrying – if we talk about it out of breath, as it usually happens – is the momentum. Senior Kelly Bryant was the main option against A & M, although true rookie Trevor Lawrence kicked for 93 yards, highlighted by a fantastic touch by catcher Tee Higgins. It is not wrong to say that Clemson must make a decision; it is not wrong to say that Dabo Swinney and his staff have the time to make the right choice.

This is a situation that will resolve itself. Bryant may be too reliable to be removed from the range. In this case, seniors must be the option of the Tigers in tests like the one on Saturday night, in hostile environments against coaches who welcome the idea of ​​facing a quarter-grade first. Once again, it is quite obvious, through two games, that Lawrence operates at a different level. Based on talent, he is the best choice for Clemson.

If left alone, every problem could be the fall of the Tigers. A quarter less, because there are two feasible solutions to this question, but the high school could be one of the concerns of the year that makes the difference between a national semifinal and a New Year's Cup.

But do not forget Clemson: The Tigers have already come here. Not at A & M, exactly, but in these settings. On the road carrying a target. As a team that gets the best shot of each opponent. In high pressure games and win absolutely. In games against the lower competition. Clemson knows the score and Swinney and his team understand that there is a formula to win the national championship.

In the regular season, at least, it's about survival. Clemson will lose once during the year, since that's what this program does, but it will not be up to an A & M. It's up to the state of North Carolina or somebody else. Since his rise to the top of the sport, Clemson has essentially used some regular season periods as an NBA-laden team preparing for the playoffs – doing just enough to make sure he succeeds and then lights him up.

So these potential problems, such as the secondary, perhaps the lack of explosiveness at the linebacker, mixed luggage at the rear quarter? It's really not a big problem. Clemson is in top form, just enough to survive your best shot, while being comforted by the fact that his best football will be in November and December. In addition, what does he say about Clemson that A & M lost at home and famous?

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