Orange Bowl Prediction: #6 Tennessee Volunteers vs #7 Clemson Tigers

This is likely one of the most becoming bowl video games ever, because the Tennessee Volunteers (10-2) sq. off within the Orange Bowl in opposition to the Clemson Tigers (11-2). It is two groups that rock orange taking part in within the Orange Bowl in a battle of Prime 10 groups.

Only a nice storyline, but in addition an essential sport for each squads.

Location: Onerous Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Fla.)
When: December thirtieth – 8:00 PM ET
Community: ESPN
Unfold: Clemson -4.5

IB has damaged down the sport and now it is time for us to make our predictions.

BRYAN DRISKELL, PUBLISHER

Prediction: Clemson 37, Tennessee 27

Each groups will come into this sport with completely different quarterbacks than we noticed a lot of the season, however that can play to Clemson’s benefit rather more than Tennessee’s. The lack of Hendon Hooker is devastating for the Vols, and so they appeared like a totally completely different crew within the season-ending win over Vanderbilt than they did all season. The win was spectacular, little question, however Tennessee will not have the ability to run over Clemson prefer it did Vanderbilt, and it’ll want Joe Milton to reap the benefits of a poor Clemson secondary with out his prime two weapons – Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman.

Cade Klubnik entering into the beginning quarterback position for Clemson might very effectively be an improve for the Tigers, and he’ll have all his prime weapons accessible to him. Klubnik went 20-24 for 279 yards and a landing coming off the bench within the ACC title sport in opposition to North Carolina, and he added 30 speeding yards and a rating, and a 19-yard reception besides. I believe the Klubnik period begins in impression style in opposition to a Tennessee protection that struggled a lot of the season.

Clemson will probably be with out a few of its prime defenders, however there may be loads of entrance seven expertise remaining on this sport. Tennessee will have the ability to make this a detailed sport, but it surely would not shock me if the Tigers ran away with this a bit. Regardless of that being a chance, I nonetheless suppose this sport will in the end be a tricky contest. 

Prediction: Clemson 28, Tennessee 27

One of many extra fascinating matchups of the day proper right here, minus ND in fact. This one options two backup QBs, one as a result of damage and one as a result of switch. It’s a wash for essentially the most half in that regard and never as a result of I believe Joe Milton is best than Cade Klubnik, at the least from an expertise standpoint. So if the QB battle is a wash then how will we take a look at this sport? I take a look at the protection in addition to the teaching. Josh Heupel is an efficient coach and is somebody that individuals ought to have their eyes on transferring ahead however Dabo Swinney is already there. I belief him in addition to the Clemson protection to win the day right here.

RYAN ROBERTS, DIRECTOR OF RECRUITING

Prediction: Clemson 28, Tennessee 24

Tennessee has had a whole lot of success this season offensively and with that, there are a number of of their proficient large receivers who’re opted out of this sport. That might make the offensive output look so much otherwise.

On the Clemson facet of issues, it has been very up and down this season. They’ve all their gamers able to go due to that. Search for them to squeak out a detailed one. 

SHAUN DAVIS, RECRUITING ANALYST

Prediction: Clemson 27, Tennessee 23

The Vols wonderful season got here to a sudden halt with a devastating street loss to South Carolina and the damage to quarterback Hendon Hooker, whereas the Cade Klubnik period was efficiently launched on the ACC Championship sport. The Tigers’ CFP hopes had been additionally dashed by a late season loss to the Gamecocks at dwelling, so the share disappointments with the Vols. Joe Milton ought to have sufficient to problem the Clemson secondary, however Klubnik in opposition to the fifth worst cross protection and Will Shipley ought to have the ability to management the ball in opposition to and restrict the offensive alternatives for Josh Heupel’s offense.

SEAN STIRES, STAFF WRITER

Prediction: Tennessee 34, Clemson 30

Dabo Swinney has received 10 of his final 14 bowl video games, with two of the losses in nationwide championship video games and two within the semifinals. The sport would pack extra punch if Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker might play, but it surely is likely to be too early for Cade Klubnik to have his breakout.

ANDREW MCDONOUGH, IB CONTRIBUTOR

Prediction: Clemson 21, Tennessee 16

A beginning lineup comprised solely of Clemson and Tennessee gamers who will not be taking part in on this sport (whether or not as a result of choose outs, transfers, or accidents) would win a whole lot of video games, and these absences take a few of the luster off of what on paper needs to be top-of-the-line matchups of the bowl season. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik made his first profession begin within the ACC Championship the place he went 20-24 for 279 yards and a TD, whereas Michigan switch Joe Milton will get the nod for the Volunteers. 

Given the offensive expertise that each QBs are lacking, I anticipate this to be a decent, low scoring affair. Finally, Clemson will pull this out due largely to the truth that RB Will Shipley would be the finest participant on the sector. Shipley had 3 video games with 20 or extra carries this season, with all 3 being shut Tiger wins over Wake Forest, Florida State, and Syracuse. I anticipate Dabo Swinney‘s sport plan to contain getting the ball to #1 as ceaselessly as attainable, chewing clock and taking strain off his younger QB. 

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