Charlotte at Clemson- Preview and Predictions

Charlotte at Clemson

Memorial Stadium, Clemson

Saturday 730 pm ACC Network

Line- Clemson -41, Over\Under 62

After facing P5 opponents in its first three games of the season for the first time in school history, the top ranked Tigers will welcome C-USA member Charlotte into Death Valley this weekend. The 49ers are 2-1 on the season and are coming off of a 52-17 blowout win over UMass. Their lone loss on the season came in Week 2 when App St beat them 56-41 in Boone.

So far in the young season the Niners have had no issues scoring points, as they’ve been very good on the offensive side of the ball, albeit against lesser competition. They come in averaging more than 47 points per game, and even in their loss to App St, they managed to put 41 on the board. They are rushing for just under 300 yards a game, and are gaining 7.1 yards per carry. Starting RB Benny LeMay has averaged 117 yards per game and 7.6 yards per carry.

The passing game has been pretty good too. QB Chris Reynolds is completing 70% of his throws, has 7 TDs to just two INT’s, and is averaging 9.3 yards per attempt. He ripped the Mountaineer defense to shreds in the loss in Boone, going 20-31 for 296 yards and 4 TDs. Reynolds has been very good this season and seems to be playing with a chip on his shoulder. At just 5’10 and 192 lbs, he has heard his entire career how he is to small to play QB. However, he has yet to face what will be waiting on him and the rest of his teammates Saturday night in Clemson.

This Tiger defense has been outstanding, led by SAM linebacker Isaiah Simmons. They are allowing just 257 yards per game, with much of that coming in garbage time against reserves. They are giving up just 75 yards a game on the ground and 182 through the air, and teams are averaging just 3.8 yards per play. That 49er offense might just find points a little tougher to come by on Saturday.

On the other side of the ball, the reviews haven’t been quite as glowing for Charlotte.. They have surrendered just under 200 yards rushing per game and opponents are averaging over 5 yards per carry. Their pass defense has been better, as teams are throwing for just 123 yards a game, but at the same time opponents haven’t really attempted to throw a whole lot on them either. With this Tiger offense yet to start firing on all cylinders, this game is coming at an opportune time. This is the kind of defense that the Clemson offense can get well against in a hurry.

Look for the Tigers to be able to run the ball at will in this one. The question is, do the coaches let Trevor Lawrence start airing it out early and often in an effort to get him and the passing game going. Either way, don’t expect much resistance from the Charlotte defense. Tigers roll, and cover the number….. 55-10.

If you want to check out some 49er highlights, click the link to see some from their win over UMass last week.

UMass vs Charlotte Highlights 2019

We also asked our fellow Junkies in the Clemson Tiger Junkies Facebook group to give us their predictions. Again, just like last week, not a single one of them picked the Tigers to lose. Imagine that…..

Here are what some of them are predicting.

Boon Kim 48-7

Dylan Justus 59-3

Pat Kimberlin 63-7

Rocky Kirkus 55-14

Clemson Chris 41-13

Tom Russell 72-6

Casey Williams 48-9

Lee Brock 42-13

Debby Laidlaw 48-6

Brad Porter 56-7