Clemson @ Wake Forest preview
BB&T Field
Last Meeting ( Nov 21, 2015 ) Wake Forest 13, Clemson 33
Despite last week’s slip-up, Clemson remains in position for a return to the College Football Playoff — but the Tigers have no more margin for error. The Tigers, ranked fifth in the coaches’ poll and fourth by the College Football Playoff committee, look to clinch the ACC Atlantic Division crown and keep themselves in the playoff picture when they travel to Wake Forest on Saturday.
The Demon Deacons tried to play spoiler last week, when they led at Louisville through three quarters before giving up 34 points in the fourth quarter of a 44-12 defeat. They’ll get another chance Saturday, as a win would knock Clemson out of the ACC championship game and the playoff hunt. “I told the team that you battled your butt off and had everyone in the country turning the channel to see the fourth quarter of a Wake Forest football game and we didn’t finish the deal,” Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson told reporters. “What can we learn from that? I think the lesson is to beat a team of that caliber, you have to execute for four quarters. If there is any let-up, a team like that makes you pay instantly and dearly.” The Tigers paid for their own fourth-quarter lapse last week when they were unable to convert a fourth-and-1 in the final minute before allowing Pittsburgh to drive for the game-winning field goal in a 43-42 loss.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Clemson -22.5.
ABOUT CLEMSON (9-1, 6-1 ACC): The Tigers have dodged bullets all season but couldn’t avoid the upset last week despite an ACC-record 580 passing yards and three touchdowns from Deshaun Watson. The offense faltered in the fourth quarter, though, as Watson threw an interception that set up a touchdown to pull the Panthers within 42-40 and star running back Wayne Gallman was unable to convert on fourth down to seal the win. The Tigers’ defense has been dominant at times but gave up 464 total yards last week, including a season-high 308 passing yards.
ABOUT WAKE FOREST (6-4, 3-3): The Demon Deacons lean on a strong defense and lead the ACC and rank ninth nationally with a plus-nine turnover margin. They limited Louisville star quarterback Lamar Jackson to 298 total yards — 139 below his season average entering the game — and will need a similar performance to slow down Watson. The offense has not come along as quickly as the defense, as quarterback John Wolford has more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (five) and the ground game has been inconsistent.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Clemson has won seven straight against Wake Forest, outscoring the Demon Deacons 264-94 over that span.
2. Wake Forest has only one previous win over a top-five team, a 19-6 win over No. 4 Tennessee in 1946.
3. Clemson WR Artavis Scott has caught a pass in 33 straight games and has at least three receptions in his last 18 contests.
PREDICTION: Clemson 31, Wake Forest 16