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Clemson to Texas A & M (+12.5)
Sat 9/8, 7 pm ET
Three things to know before betting on Clemson-Texas A & M:
1. If you believe Texas A & M head coach Jimbo Fisher, he has "no idea" that his former nemesis Clemson would be the second team he should have faced in accepting his new job with the Aggies. That said, he seems to be looking forward to the meeting.
"I think it's an opportunity for your kids to find out how it is," Fisher told the media. "They have great players, we all know, we'll know if we can compete and stay focused in the game."
No. 2 Clemson will indeed pose a huge challenge for A & M, and Fisher will face pressure from a crowd of young women to stay with the Tigers. After all, it's a team he knows well. He faced Clemson eight times in his eight seasons as head coach of the state of Florida, scoring a 4-4 record and a 3-5 backstroke record. in this period. The Noles have lost each of the past three seasons to the Tigers teams that have finally reached the college football playoffs. Fisher 's teams covered the gap in 2015 and in 16, but the disappointing FSU team last year lost 31-14 as a 16 – point loser on the road. Fisher knows how much the Clemson team has to face, and his team will prepare accordingly, but that does not mean that she'll be able to stay close.
2. Clemson bringing back 15 starters from last season, there are not many question marks for the Tigers. But a big rest: who will be the main guy of the quarterback? Dabo Swinney's ongoing QB competition – designed more like a collaboration – reflects Nick Saban's enigma in Tuscaloosa. There is Kelly Bryant, who led Clemson to the playoffs last year. Bryant can run but has a low ceiling as a smuggler. Then there is Trevor Lawrence, who has a stronger arm but lacks experience.
Those who expected a clear resolution during week 1 were disappointed. The duo split his time in a 48-7 home win against Furman. Their performances were remarkably similar, Bryant completing 10 passes for 127 yards and Lawrence completing nine passes for 137. Each of his forces was in full swing. Bryant had a 35-yard touchdown pass and Lawrence made three touchdown passes.
While Swinney says that every guy will see time against A & M, he should be deliberate in the way he shifts their shots. Bryant played the first quarter against Furman, Lawrence played the second and then had two workouts to start the second half before moving to third place. It's fine in a tune against an FCS team, but a road match against a SEC defense is a big step forward. (Especially against an A & M unit that returns eight starters and is coached by the estimated coordinator Mike Elko). Swinney must ensure that at least one of his callers is given enough time to find a rhythm.
3. If you have not taken the time to memorize the four names that make up Clemson's starting defensive line, do it now. Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence and Austin Bryant have both been elected by the All-ACC pre-season team this year and each is likely to be a first-round selection of the NFL. They all seemed good against Furman, especially Lawrence who suffered injuries last season. In simple terms, this is the most dreaded group of positions in college football – and it's not even close.
That's what quarterback Kellen Mond will face Saturday when he will take orders from the Aggies. After seeing a good amount of action as a rookie in Kevin Sumlin's extensive offensive last season, Mond won the coaching position over the summer and now runs a professional style system under the direction from Fisher. Mond can run and did it freely last year. But maintaining a strong presence in the pocket seemed to be a point of interest for him in a 59-7 win over the Northwestern State. For the most part, Mond seemed comfortable in the pocket, although the fact that he took two sacks against the low-level competition is not a good sign when he's getting ready to queuing under Wilkins and Lawrence. It's a daunting challenge for a sophomore who makes his second start in a new attack.
Pick: Clemson -12.5
Confidence level: very high (on a low / moderate / high / very high / extremely high scale)
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