Within the premier ACC bowl of the postseason, convention champion No. 10 Clemson is ready to tackle No. 6 Tennessee within the Orange Bowl.

Gameday Data

Kickoff: 8pm ET

TV: ESPN

Unfold: Clemson -6 (-110), Tennessee +6 (-110)

Complete: 63.5

READ: Wake Forest QB Sam Hartman enters the switch portal

Clemson Staff Preview

For the second-straight season, the Tigers (11-2) missed out on the Faculty Soccer Playoff, however returned to their earlier success with an ACC Championship victory. Each of the group’s losses got here out of convention — the Tigers misplaced to Notre Dame by 21 in early November and suffered a heartbreaking one-point defeat in opposition to in-state rival South Carolina to finish the common season.

Clemson’s struggles revolved round a quarterback controversy between mainstay DJ Uiagalelei and newcomer Cade Klubnik. In 13 video games this season, Uiagalelei handed for two,521 yards (sixtieth within the nation), 22 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

Early within the season, Clemson prevailed in shut video games due to Uiagalelei’s prolific play. The junior threw 5 touchdowns in an extra time victory over Wake Forest, then mixed for 3 scores and no interceptions in a 10-point win over then No. 10 NC State. Later, in a one-score victory in opposition to Florida State, Uiagalelei tossed three touchdowns.

However, down the stretch, Uiagalelei started to falter, throwing pricey interceptions and sub-32 QBRs in each losses to Notre Dame and South Carolina. Then, he solely threw 5 passes within the ACC Championship earlier than getting benched for Klubnik.

With the freshman taking up, Clemson rallied and crushed the Tar Heels 39-10 in Charlotte. Klubnik accomplished 20 of his 24 passes for 279 yards and a landing, additionally including a rating on the bottom. With Uiagalelei transferring to Oregon State, Klubnik will get his first begin with the Tigers in opposition to Tennessee.

The remainder of the Clemson offense is headlined by their star working again, Will Shipley. The sophomore rushed for 1,110 yards on 193 carries (5.8 ypc) for the Tigers this season, additionally reaching the tip zone 15 instances. Shipley is a risk within the passing sport as nicely — he’s third on the group with 34 receptions.

Although the receiving room will likely be with out Beaux Collins, who accounted for 5 touchdowns, Antonio Williams (53 rec, 563 yards, 4 tds) and Joseph Ngata (33 rec, 442 yards, 2 tds) ought to be capable of deal with the receiving duties nicely. Tight finish Davis Allen, with a tied-team-high 5 touchdowns, is one other participant to regulate within the passing sport.

On protection, the Tigers will likely be with out a number of key items. Linebacker Trenton Simpson, who was second-best on the group with 77 tackles, opted out of the sport. Edge rusher Myles Murphy, who tied a team-high with 6.5 sacks, additionally opted out. LB Vonta Bentley, who performed in all 13 video games, has entered the switch portal, and Xavier Thomas doubtless received’t play on account of harm.

READ: Wake Forest finishes season sturdy, defeats Missouri in Gasparilla Bowl

Clemson will likely be buoyed by their elite particular groups unit. Punter Aidan Swanson pinned 16 punts contained in the 20, and had 13 journey over 50 yards. B.T. Potter transformed on 85.7% of his area aim kicks and hit all 11 from contained in the 40. He related on a season-long kick of 52 yards, as soon as in opposition to Wake Forest and a second time within the ACC Championship.

Tennessee Staff Preview

Of their greatest season in over a decade, Tennessee shocked the nation by taking down Alabama in late October and reaching the No. 1 spot within the first Faculty Soccer Playoff rankings. However, after a loss at Georgia and a disappointing defeat to South Carolina, the Volunteers had been held out of the CFP and enter the Orange Bowl because the No. 6 group within the nation.

This season, the Volunteers had been led by two gamers who had a possible declare to the Heisman Trophy. Quarterback Hendon Hooker, who completed fifth within the voting, accomplished 69.6% of his passes for 3,135 yards and 27 touchdowns, whereas solely tossing two interceptions.

Hooker’s major receiver, Jalin Hyatt, caught 67 of his passes for 1,267 yards and 15 scores. Within the win over the Crimson Tide, 5 of Hyatt’s six receptions went for touchdowns.

On the bottom, Tennessee was led by a one-two punch of Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small. The 2 backs mixed for 1,482 yards and 22 touchdowns on 279 rushes (5.3 ypc).

Defensively, the Volunteers are led by linebacker Aaron Beasley with 64 tackles and 9 TFLs. DL Byron Younger led the best way with 5 sacks and 10 TFLs, and fellow LB Roman Harrison added three sacks. Trevon Flowers (two INTs), Jaylen McCollough and Tamarion McDonald (six PBUs) make for a strong trio within the secondary.

Kicker Chase McGrath highlights the particular groups room — he hit the game-winning kick in opposition to Alabama, but in addition missed one try from inside 40 yards this season. Connecting on 79% of his kicks, McGrath’s season-long is 51 yards.

READ: Wake Forest Soccer – Switch Portal Tracker

Like Clemson, Tennessee is closely impacted by gamers that won’t be out there for the Orange Bowl. Hooker is out with a torn ACL, so Michigan switch Joe Milton will lead the Volunteers at quarterback. Milton is skilled, although — this season, he performed in eight video games, finishing 34 passes for 720 yards and 7 touchdowns.

However, Tennessee may also be with out their prime two receivers. Hyatt has already declared for the NFL Draft, as has Cedric Tillman (37 rec, 417 yards, three TDs).

Prediction

The results of this sport will doubtless come right down to the play of both group’s quarterback. Milton is extra skilled, however Klubnik has the talents and aptitude to place collectively a implausible efficiency. Milton has the advantage of Clemson lacking the meat of their move rush, however one of the best huge receiver within the nation — Hyatt — received’t be there for him as a security valve.

If Klubnik can play like he did in opposition to North Carolina — making the proper throws and avoiding errors — then Clemson ought to be capable of win this sport. Till the freshman offers me a purpose to doubt him, I’m going to stay with him in an in depth win.

Clemson 27, Tennessee 24

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