UM vs. Clemson: Matchups to Watch
By David Villavicencio
HurricaneSports.com
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The battle for ACC supremacy is set for Saturday night, as the Miami Hurricanes will look to knock off the defending ACC and national champion Clemson Tigers.
The No. 7 Hurricanes (10-1, 7-1 ACC) won the Coastal division and will play in their first ACC Championship Game since joining the league in 2004. No. 1 Clemson, (11-1,7-1 ACC) returns to the conference championship for the third consecutive year and will represent the Atlantic division.
Miami holds the all-time series lead over Clemson, 6-4, but the Tigers got the best of the Canes in their last meeting, defeating Miami, 58-0. The Hurricanes have gone on a tear since that loss to the Tigers on Oct. 24, 2015, going 23-7 and earning a victory over No. 16 West Virginia In the 2016 Russell Athletic Bowl and defeating No. 13 Virginia Tech and No. 3 Notre Dame this season.
Here are three matchups to watch in Saturday’s game.
Miami vs. Clemson at the line of scrimmage
The line of scrimmage is the starting point of every play and will be an active area all night on Saturday. The battle in the trenches will go a long way in helping determine a winner in the 2017 ACC Championship Game, as both teams have talented offensive and defensive lines.
When Miami has the ball, the offensive line will face one of its toughest assignments in the Clemson defensive line. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell and defensive tackles Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence were each named First Team All-ACC, while second-team selection Austin Bryant is projected as a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Third Team All-ACC selection Kc McDermott, who has made 32-consecutive starts entering this week, leads a Miami offensive line that has done a good job of protecting quarterback Malik Rosier. The Hurricanes allowed just three sacks in a matchup against a loaded Florida State defensive line and limited Virginia Tech’s defense to just two sacks.
When Clemson has the ball, the Hurricanes will look to wreak havoc behind the line of scrimmage with their talented and deep defensive line. Defensive ends Chad Thomas and Joe Jackson bring the speed and power off the edge, while tackles RJ McIntosh and Kendrick Norton are a stout duo in the middle that can get after the quarterback. Senior Trent Harris, a third-team All-ACC selection, lead the Canes and ranks second in the ACC with 8.5 sacks.
All-ACC First Team selections Mitch Hyatt and Tyrone Crowder lead Clemson’s offensive line, but they will face a tough opponent across the line of scrimmage. Miami leads the country with 3.55 sacks per game and is second nationally in tackles for loss per game at 8.6.
Miami running back Travis Homer vs. Clemson’s run defense
Travis Homer has been a catalyst for the Hurricanes since taking over as Miami’s feature back following an injury to All-ACC back Mark Walton. The sophomore has amassed 861 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns while adding 219 receiving yards and a score through the air. In his seven games as Miami’s top running back, Homer has five performances of 95+ rushing yards, including a career-high 170-yard game against Georgia Tech, and has five total touchdowns. Homer is averaging 6.3 yards per carry and ranks 10th in the ACC in all-purpose yards per game (98.18).
Clemson’s run defense ranks 14th nationally and leads the ACC, holding opponents to 113.6 yards per game. The Tigers have been stout against the run, holding opponents to 3.1 yards to rush. Beyond the gifted defensive line, Second Team All-ACC linebacker Dorian O’Daniel leads the Tigers with 95 tackles and has made 10.5 tackles for loss on the season.
Miami’s Defense vs. Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant
There is no secret that Miami’s defense makes a major impact on the Hurricanes’ success. The unit led by defensive coordinator Manny Diaz has become a nationwide sensation due to the Turnover Chain, but it’s their outstanding play that has made them stand out.
The Canes lead the nation in turnover margin (+1.55 per game) and team sacks (3.55 per game) while ranking second in the country in team tackles for loss (8.6 per game) and third in turnovers gained (29). Miami is also ranked in the top 15 in fumbles recovered (ninth, 12), passes intercepted (seventh, 17), scoring defense (15th, 18.3 per game) and team passing efficiency defense (11th, 109.01).
Kelly Bryant is Clemson’s heart and soul on offense and the junior signal caller leads a Clemson offense that averages 11 first downs passing, 10 first downs rushing and more than 35 points per game. Bryant leads the ACC with a 66.4 completion percentage and has thrown 12 touchdowns compared to six interceptions.
A threat with his arm, as well as his legs, Bryant is the man that makes the Tigers go. Clemson’s only loss in 2017 came in a game in which Bryant was knocked out with a concussion, proving just how vital he is to the success of a talented Tigers’ offense. Miami will look to limit Bryant’s effectiveness and force turnovers like it did in big wins over Virginia Tech and Notre Dame.
Kickoff against the Tigers is set for 8 p.m., from Bank of America Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ABC.
