Troy @ Clemson -33

If you find my write ups useful, I’ll continue to post. I have been sending these to my friends every week for a long time. For example, my buddy said “We have to go Clemson this week in a rebound!” So I break it down for our group.

Do you think I should create one thread for the week, like some of the greats do here? Or create separate threads for any games I research? 

Clemson (0-1) looks to rebound from a tough 17-10 loss to LSU as they host Troy (1-0) in a non-conference clash at Memorial Stadium. Vegas has Clemson -33 with a total of 51.5 (implied 42-9). I see this one closer to  -31,  given Clemson’s 16-22 ATS skid as double-digit chalk and Dabo Swinney’s struggles in non-conference covers. Clemson also has Georgia Tech on deck in ACC play.

Week 1 Recaps

Clemson vs LSU (L, 17-10): The defense held LSU to 261 yards and forced two fumbles, but the offense sputtered. QB Cade Klubnik threw for 230 yards with an INT, and the rushing attack managed just 31 yards. The lone TD came on Adam Randall’s plunge. LSU controlled possession late, exposing Clemson’s inability to run.

Troy vs Nicholls (W, 38-20): Troy piled up 272 rush yards, led by RB Tae Meadows (186, TD). QB Goose Crowder was efficient (14/24, 144 yards, 2 TDs, plus a rushing score). The Trojans’ defense tallied 4 sacks and 8 TFL, holding Nicholls to 249 yards and 4-of-11 on third down.

Injuries & Suspensions

Clemson: WR Antonio Williams (hamstring) and S Khalil Barnes are day-to-day.

Troy: RB transfer Trey Cooley (expected starter) is out for the season with a knee injury, leaving Meadows as the bell cow. 

Team Outlooks

Clemson (2024: ACC champs, CFP berth):
Offense: Klubnik (36-6 TD-INT LY) leads a deep WR corps (Williams, Wesco, Moore). Losing RB Phil Mafah hurts, but true frosh Gideon Davidson could emerge. OL is experienced but run game must improve.
Defense: Allowed 23 PPG LY (#49) but boasts studs: DE T.J. Parker (11 sacks), DT Peter Woods, LBs Wade Woodaz and Sammy Brown. Secondary returns intact.

Special Teams: PK Nolan Hauser (18/24 FG) steady; new punter needed.

Troy (2024: 4-8, but late-season surge):

Offense: Crowder brings stability at QB. Meadows steps in as RB1 with Cooley out. WR unit rebuilt via portal (Rara Thomas). OL has 50+ career starts.

Defense: Allowed 28.4 PPG LY but adds DL Elijah Davis, safety David Daniel-Sisavanh, and CB Kaleno Levine. Looked improved vs. Nicholls.

Special Teams: PK Scott Taylor Renfroe (11/13 FG) returns; new punter/KR needed.

Key Matchups
Troy rush attack vs Clemson DL: Meadows meets Parker/Woods after Clemson stifled LSU’s run game.
Klubnik vs Troy secondary: If Williams sits, Wesco and Moore must step up. Troy ranked #71 in pass efficiency defense last year.
Tempo & turnovers: Clemson’s depth should wear down Troy, but early miscues could give the Trojans hope.

This is a get-right spot for Clemson before ACC play. Expect Swinney to force the run, while the defense dominates the trenches. Troy has momentum but loses punch without Cooley.

Clemson 45, Troy 13. The under is live if the offense remains sluggish or  if Clemson works on the run game primarily. Chewing clock. Right now l will pass.

I enjoy the write ups. Keep em coming. 

Same. I enjoy these write ups. Good read 

Keep em coming.  

Good stuff

@DrGame

 Yes, useful for many, even if they don't all reply to say so  

Forums like/appreciate good info and insightful/logical writeups, like yours!  Keep it up!  If nothing else, even if your picks don't always cover, your TIME & EFFORT alone =  

 Hands down, go with ONE thread per week. 

Like you noted: that's what the good ones here do!

With your notes possibly on multiple games every week, most of your posts will get buried back a few pages under the avalanche of hundreds of useless ONE GAME threads being posted multiple times daily by those who don't respect the forum.  Also, I recommend adding a little colorful emoji to your subject header for quick/easy recognition. 

Do whatever makes you happy brother. Solo game post are fine. The main good thing about keeping most of the week in one post is you don't have to create new threads and people can find all your info in one spot. 

Good to see a new good contributor here.

agree