Georgia Tech versus Clemson is a matchup of contrasting styles: Chad Morris’ frenetic, up-tempo spread against Paul Johnson’s old school triple-option rushing attack. This tension has a lot to do with why Georgia Tech has been such a tough out for Clemson in recent years. Clemson runs its offense at a torrid pace, while Georgia Tech takes the air out of the ball to limit the total number of possessions to increase the odds that a lucky break here or there will help overcome the talent disparity.
How to watch Georgia Tech vs. Clemson: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Clemson will try to avoid another shocking upset at the hands of Georgia Tech and keep its BCS bowl hopes alive.
Joshua S. Kelly-US PRESSWIRE
This history includes the Yellow Jackets’ stunning 31-17 upset of the Tigers in 2011, when the Tigers were undefeated and ranked in the top 10.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Clemson is a college football blue blood and doesn’t have an all-time losing record against very many teams. However, Georgia Tech holds a lopsided 50-26-2 record against Clemson and a lot of recent success, including seven wins in the last 10 meetings.
Vegas: Clemson opened as a 10-point favorite. The over/under opened at 58.5.
Weather: It will be a cool fall day in Death Valley, 60 degrees and sunny.
Three names to know
Tajh Boyd - In recent weeks, there has been criticism of Boyd's quarterback play and questions about whether he made a mistake in coming back for his senior season, but these arguments are undercut by the fact that his 2013 stats are almost identical to what they were a year ago, and with about half the interceptions.
Vad Lee - A lot of Georgia Tech's backs get touches in Paul Johnson's triple-option rushing attack, but it's sophomore quarterback Vad Lee running the show under center.
Vic Beasley - At 6'3, 225 pounds, Beasley is not nearly as large as the average defensive end, but he's very active in Clemson's defense. Through nine games, the junior has already recorded 10 sacks and could use a strong finish to the 2013 season as a springboard to the NFL Draft.
Two things at stake
This game could all but put Virginia Tech into the ACC title game, for one thing.
Clemson can’t win the Atlantic Division (Florida State clinched on Saturday by beating Wake Forest), but the No. 8-ranked Tigers still have their sights set on a BCS bowl berth. Believe it or not, Georgia Tech still has a chance at winning the Coastal Division. The Yellow Jackets are currently in a four-way tie -- in the loss column -- for first place, but the Yellow Jackets would lose out in most of the tiebreaker scenarios. Though the Yellow Jackets’ fate is mostly out of their control, one thing is for certain: Georgia Tech has to beat Clemson to have even the slightest chance.
How to witness
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN; Play-by-play: Rece Davis; Color commentary: Jesse Palmer, David Pollack
Radio: Tune in to 106.7 FM in Atlanta or listen online right here.
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Further reading
For more Tigers football, visit Clemson community Shakin’ The Southland.
For more on Jackets football, visit Georgia Tech community From The Rumble Seat.
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