Clemson Football Matchups: Can the Tigers Be Tamed?

(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

The Clemson 2009 Season will be determined in the trenches.

Last year, despite all of the talent on offense, the lack of holes for the running backs led to more pressure on the quarterback, which turned into a disaster.

And although the defense performed from a statistical standpoint, the lack of ability to put pressure on the quarterback led to less turnovers and sacks.

Let's look at the key matchups for this upcoming year.

Georgia Tech vs. Clemson

CU offensive line vs. GT defensive line

Clemson returns all but one starter on their line, and many others gained experience in 2008 due to injuries and inexperience. Look for this to be one of the strengths.

GT lost all four starters from last year, leaving a lot of talent to replace.

Give the edge to Clemson.

Intangibles

Paul Johnson vs. Dabo Swinney.

Johnson has been there, done that and has the ability to create a new game plan on the fly. I read an article the other day about facing his offense saying it isn't just about assignment football, which is always talked about. He can find out what you're doing to stop him and adjust.

No one knows what to expect from Dabo. Can he respond to Johnson's changes during the game?

Last year, with only a week experience, the Tigers put on a good fight. However, this year they're in Atlanta, so we'll see.

Boston College vs. Clemson

BC quarterback vs. CU defensive backs 

The defensive and offensive lines of these two may counteract each other, so it may come down which quarterback can complete enough passes to keep them in the game.

And if too many of those are caught by the Tigers, it could be a long day for the Eagles.

Intangibles

CU finally beat Boston College last year after two near misses. And this year, the games in Death Valley.

With no Matt Ryan and a new head coach, the Eagles will have to come up with something special to pull off the upset.

TCU vs. Clemson

TCU offensive line vs. CU linebackers

This will be a battle of TCU's inexperience versus CU's use of experience.

Everyone says the CU linebackers will be the weakest link, so if they get overpowered by the TCU line, then it could be a big problem for the Tigers.

Intangibles

The unknown for TCU of playing in Death Valley against the Tigers underestimating the Horned Frogs.

Until you've played Clemson at home, no one knows what it's like.

And although their past record speaks for itself, will Clemson get up for a team from the Mountain West Conference?

Maryland vs. Clemson

CU offensive line vs. MD defensive line

CU's experience versus MD's inexperience will probably decide this game.

If enough holes can be opened up for CJ Spiller, Jamie Harper, and Andre Ellington, it should be a long day for the Terrapins.

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