Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
The Clemson Tigers entered the 2013 season as one of the favorites to win the ACC and furthered that prediction of many by defeating the tough hard-nosed Georgia Bulldogs in a huge week one battle. Dabo Swinney could not be more pleased of his team and has to think his Tigers have to be national title contenders.
On the other side of the field, the South Carolina State Bulldogs are coming off a week one loss against Coastal Carolina, 27-20. While it may seem that FCS schools have been successful this season so far as seven have pulled off a victory against FBS schools, it would take a monumental effort from the Bulldogs to pull this one off.
Clemson has one of the best offensive attacks in the ACC, but they were outplayed in the yardage department in week one against Georgia. The Tigers had 467 total yards, including an 18-30, 270 yard and three-touchdown performance from Heisman contender Tajh Boyd. Connecting with Sammy Watkins used to be the norm for Boyd two seasons ago and it became that once again as Watkins finished with six catches for 127 yards and a score.
South Carolina State’s offense finished with 365 total yards and 20 points in a week one loss, but the connection between quarterback Richard Cue and wide out Tyler McDonald is money. McDonald caught four passes for 108 yards and a touchdown in week one.
The defense of the Tigers was almost non-existent in week one. Although they did achieve the ultimate goal of allowing less points than the offense scored, I’m sure coach Swinney wants to improve on a lot. It’s hard to tell what kind of defense South Carolina State has because they faced lesser competition in Coastal Carolina and allowed 369 yards.
South Carolina State will be traveling to Clemson to take on the Tigers in week two at 12:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, Sept. 7. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN 3.
PREDICTION: South Carolina State 0, Clemson 52
Related: Clemson Tigers Season Preview
Tajh Boyd Impresses, Makes Heisman Bid
Clemson Tigers, Georgia Bulldogs Will Meet For National Title
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at .
