The #1 ranked Clemson Tigers (4-0, 3-0 ACC) takes the field against conference opponent Georgia Tech (2-2, 2-1 ACC) in Week 7 of NCAA football action. The Atlantic Coast Conference showdown will be the first road contest for the top-seeded Tigers since their first game of the season. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. Eastern at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. The Tigers are a 27-point favorite, according to oddsmakers.
What to Know – Clemson Tigers
The Clemson Tigers are undefeated to start the season, but just 1-3 against the spread so far. In their first road game of the season, the Tigers were a 34-point favorite against Wake Forest but won 37-13. However, in their last ten meetings against the Yellow Jackets, the Tigers are 7-2-1 against the spread.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence continues to live up to lofty expectations this season, completing 84-of-116 passes with ten touchdowns and zero interceptions. The projected #1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has added four rushing touchdowns to his stat line as well.
Senior Travis Etienne has rushed for 392 yards on 56 attempts and four touchdowns as the Tigers primary running back. Etienne is also the team’s second-leading receiver, catching 17 passes for 245 yards and one score.
Amari Rodgers serves as Lawrence’s top choice at wide receiver. The senior has hauled in 19 passes for 268 yards and three scores this season.
Defensively the Tigers are ninth in the nation, surrendering just 13.3 points per game. The Tigers also rank 11th in total yards allowed at 279.8 per game.
What to Know – Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Georgia Tech opened up the season with a thrilling come-from-behind victory at Florida State before suffering a pair of losses to Central Florida and Syracuse. The Yellow Jackets bounced back last week and took care of business against Louisville, 46-27. Georgia Tech is 2-2 this season against the spread, and the total has gone over in six of their last eight contests.
Freshman quarterback Jeff Sims has had a rocky start as a rookie, completing 65-of-119 passes for 944 yards, five touchdowns, and eight interceptions. The young signal-caller had his best game of the season last week against the Cardinals, where he tossed a pair of touchdown passes and did not turn the ball over.
Sims is also Georgia Tech’s leading rusher with 251 yards and three touchdowns on 44 attempts. Fellow freshman Jahmyr Gibbs continues to see more action and is second on the team with 232 yards and two scores. Gibbs is also featured at wide receiver with eight receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns.
Junior Malachi Carter (14 receptions, 213 yards, two touchdowns) and senior Jalen Camp (14 receptions, 142 yards, one touchdown) lead the Jackets in total receptions on the year.
Through four games, the Georgia Tech defense is allowing 31.5 points per game and 448.4 total yards. The Yellow Jackets are second in the conference with seven forced fumbles.
The Pick is In
Last Friday night, the Yellow Jackets were a slight underdog against the Cardinals and won by 19. Clemson has had a tough time covering their multiple-touchdown spreads, and Saturday will be no different. This Georgia Tech team is young but well-coached. Clemson has much more talent, but the Yellow Jackets will do just enough to keep this within four scores. The game total is around 64, which these teams should have no problem surpassing.
The plays are Georgia Tech +27 and OVER 64 points.
