Opportunity Awaits the Clemson Tigers this Saturday Against TCU

This Saturday the Clemson Tigers take on the No. 15 Texas Christian Horned Frogs. Head coach Dabo Swinney got the Tigers to a bowl last season, he beat rival South Carolina, and he's got the Tigers off to a promising 2-1 start. What Swinney has not done yet is beat a ranked team. The Tigers and Swinney get that opportunity this weekend.

Why does this game matter?

It's only an over ranked mid-major Mountain West opponent. If you've watched any college football the last five years you know that programs like Boise St., Utah, BYU, Fresno St., and TCU among others are as legitimate as any major college programs in the country.

Already this year BYU beat Oklahoma, and Boise St. defeated Oregon. I've read where the Tigers lockerroom TVs had a countdown to the TCU game. So you know it matters to the Tigers team. I believe this is the kind of game that could catapult the Tiger's season, but it won't be easy.

TCU has won 16 of their last 18 games, with victories during that span over Virginia, Boise St, BYU, and Stanford. They are coached by Gary Patterson, and have been full time since the end of 2000.

Patterson has won over 70 percent of his games. The Horned Frogs are a very well coached squad, and possess one the nation's toughest defenses. You know the Horned Frogs look at this game as an opportunity too. TCU relishes any chance to try and beat a major conference team.

What you'll see in this game are some of the most talented defensive ends in the country. Clemson's Ricky Sapp looks fully healed and was named ACC defensive player of week. Opposite of Sapp is the athletic Da'quan Bowers. TCU comes back with Jerry Hughes. At 6-2, 257 pounds, Hughes had 15 sacks last year, and is capable of disrupting offenses all by himself.

Clemson comes in playing some great defense under defensive coordinator Kevin Steele too. They held Boston College to 54 total yards last week. Quarterback Kyle Parker did not have a great game. He threw two interceptions, but I wouldn't be overly concerned. Parker's best days are ahead of him. C.J. Spiller has been suffering a bit of a toe injury, but is expected to play.

If the Tiger's can defeat TCU, it will be best team that the Tiger's under Swinney have beaten. It's not a conference game, but they will have earned that early season signature win.

After TCU, the Tigers have a two winnable games at Maryland then at home against Wake Forest. The Tigers could be 5-1 with a top 20 ranking with a monster showdown down in Miami.

Before we get ahead of ourselves though it starts with a strong TCU squad this weekend. Clemson the opportunity is there to make a statement for the ACC and your team.