Clemson

[hopefultiger13]

Clemson doesn't need or care about style points. They're not going to be #1 unless 'Bama loses.

However, they do care about getting quality situational reps to starters as well as getting backups real game experience. So they'll do things like run a 2 minute offense at the end of the half no matter the score, as well as have the #2s and #3s running the normal offense (as opposed to the clock-draining offense), to help those players be ready when/if an injury occurs to the #1s.

This is spot on. Dabo expects his #2 guys (with the exception of QB) to get a LOT of snaps in every game. Once Clemson gains control of the game, there is a lot of subbing in of players that simply don't see the field in a lot of programs. Clemson has had two games this year (SC State and Syracuse) where EVERY scholarship player got snaps. Of course they were blowouts, but how often that THAT happen in most programs. EVERY player.

 

[hopefultiger13]

Even though Clemson should win. I think it will be closer than many think. Pitt can score and they can control the ball. The key is to limit Clemson's possessions and limit turnovers. Navy, who is a good offense, limited ND last week to around 6 possessions for the game! I do think Pitt needs to come out in the second half with some creativity on offense to counter Clemson half time adjustments. Power football, control the clock, big special team play or two, stay in the game and who knows?

Good post man. This is exactly what I feel Pitt has to do to win this game. The plan is going to be 3 yards and a cloud of dust... 7+ minute drives and keep Clemson's offense off the field. It's a good plan, and just from looking at your stats offensively and defensively, it's your best chance.

With respect, that's the reason that I feel this game won't be close. Clemson's front 4 is BY FAR (and I mean really really far) the best you've faced this season. IMHO, only Bama and Auburn have comparable DLs and I'm not sure that they are any better. I don't think you are going to be able to move the ball between the tackles. Case in point, Georgia Tech (running the same scheme as Navy) only got 95 yards on the ground in 40 attempts (and 15 of those came on the last play of the 1st half when they ran a draw play instead of throwing a hail Mary downfield).

I could be wrong on this as I don't know how good your OL is (hopefully I can watch some Pitt games this week on ESPN3), but Clemson under Venables is pretty good at shutting down the run game vs. teams that run the ball well.

 

[thebadby2]

Even though Clemson should win. I think it will be closer than many think. Pitt can score and they can control the ball. The key is to limit Clemson's possessions and limit turnovers. Navy, who is a good offense, limited ND last week to around 6 possessions for the game! I do think Pitt needs to come out in the second half with some creativity on offense to counter Clemson half time adjustments. Power football, control the clock, big special team play or two, stay in the game and who knows?

We haven't played a defense like this, or anything even close to it, all year. The idea that we can score and control the ball goes out the window in this one IMO.