CLEMSON, S.C. – If the Clemson Tigers needed any motivation heading into Saturday’s matchup against the 12th ranked Texas A&M Aggies, they certainly found some.
Aggies junior offensive tackle Jared Hocker says that an upset will occur in Death Valley on Saturday. In a media availability session earlier in the week, Hocker proclaimed, “If we [execute and make no mistakes] play our best football, we’ll have a great chance of beating them, and we will beat them.”
Hocker expounded, “I like being the underdog, you always have something to prove. So, I’m looking forward to the opportunity.” He was asked if that made Clemson ripe for an upset, Hocker responded, “Yes, it does, there will be an upset.”
If Hocker is verbalizing the vibe in the locker room, there is certainly no lack of self-confidence for the Aggies. Confidence is certainly not a bad thing, however, I am certain Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher was not thrilled hearing about Hocker’s bold proclamation which has undoubtedly permeated through the Clemson football facilities throughout the week.
Last year’s thriller in College Station was far from the Tigers’ best showing last season, however, they were able to survive a late fourth-quarter charge by Texas A&M. The two-point margin of victory was the closest game the Tigers would experience all year en route to their second national championship in three years.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney stated during his weekly media availability,
“This is a huge challenge. I’m very impressed with Texas A&M. We had a
chance to study them this summer and look at their season from a totality
standpoint from last year. They got better and better and better and better.”
However, in listening to Coach Swinney’s comments, it is abundantly clear that the impetus of their defense is predicated on containing one key player.
“I know they’ve got some new people just like we do, but they’ve got some key ingredients back, starting with [Kellen Mond]. He is a really good football player, a big-time player. He’s bigger, faster, stronger, smarter, and more confident than he was this time last year.
“He’s made some big-time throws on the move. He has the ability to sit in the pocket and make all the throws. He’s accurate, then all of a sudden he gets to scrambling and if you’re not doing a great job with your contain or your rush lanes [then] the next thing you know he has put the ball downfield on the move. These guys threw the ball all over us last year in the fourth quarter.”
Coach Swinney praised his team’s ability to learn from that close call in College Station and parlay that experience into a championship run. “We grew a lot in that game and got better as the year went for sure.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s tilt, Coach Swinney is well-aware of how an early-season test can impact the remainder of the season.
“This [matchup] is great for us. They’re definitely one of the best teams in the country. It’s a great opportunity for us to grow our team and whether we win or lose the game we’re going to get better. I love the opportunity to go up against a great team early in the year. I thought it helped us last year, we were fortunate to win the game.”
It’s clear he views this game as a valuable teaching moment. In all truthfulness, this contest will likely be the Tigers’ most difficult challenge until bowl season arrives.
Both teams have undoubtedly had this game circled on their calendars over the entirety over the offseason. This matchup surely won’t disappoint.
Keys To The Game – Clemson
— Travis Etienne will look to improve on his performance on the ground in this matchup from one year ago. Although he was reasonably effective as a pass-catcher, he was held to a season-low 44 rushing yards on 8 carries.
— The Tigers’ defense will have their work cut out for them facing such a dynamic playmaker in Kellen Mond. Clemson will prioritize keeping Mond in the pocket and forcing him to contend with their experienced secondary.
Keys To The Game – Texas A&M
— Win the turnover battle. The Aggies lost two fumbles against the Tigers last year and ultimately cost them a chance at victory. They will need to protect the ball to have a chance at an upset in Death Valley.
— Containing Clemson’s dynamic receiving corps, especially Tee Higgins, is vital. Clemson got most of their receiving yardage on big plays, and Texas A&M will need to limit those to keep a raucous Death Valley crowd at bay.
Prediction
Ultimately, Clemson’s championship experience will allow them to approach this game as they have any other over the past three seasons. They have outlasted nearly every opponent college football has thrown at them over that timespan, and I expect no different on Saturday. Texas A&M is an extremely talented team that cannot be underestimated. Despite facing an extremely arduous schedule throughout the remainder of the season, the Aggies should be among the nation’s top teams going forward in 2019.
Clemson 38 – Texas A&M 27
Written by Greg Atkins
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