Georgia Tech—Clemson: ACC Title Game Halftime Thoughts

(Stephen Hill is fast. The halftime thoughts are faster.)

Just some thoughts. Will be back with more after the game.

• Dabo Swinney says Clemson has to win on first and second downs against Tech's offense. That's not going to be easy; it's the Jackets' bread and butter. 
• Clemson really put the clamps on Georgia Tech's inside run game in September. But tonight, Georgia Tech has done a solid job of countering that by forcing the rush outside, where Clemson hasn't had nearly as much of an answer.
• Kyle Parker, not C.J. Spiller, was the difference for Clemson in that second-half comeback in September. He needs to be the difference for Clemson the rest of the night.
  
• Josh Nesbitt is improving as a passer, but he's just not there. That said, one more year to improve and maybe Nesbitt is the difference for Tech's offense next season after Jonathan Dwyer (assumedly) goes to the NFL.
  
• Derrick Morgan has been a non-factor, and he's a guy whose greatest skill is his ability to make himself a factor. Expect more from Morgan after the game.
  
• It's hard for either team to feel bad right now. Tech's let Spiller score twice, yet the Jackets are still up. Clemson has taken a full half of Paul Johnson's offense and is only down three. Basically, it should be a great second half.
  
• "The stands are full! The stands are full!" John Swofford is rumored to have uttered these words just before kickoff.
  
• Paul Johnson is 14-1 in games that Tech's leading at halftime, in large part because of his ability to make effective halftime adjustments. Tech has the ball first out of the break, I'd pay attention.
  
• Demaryius Thomas has been a complete non-factor. I know the option is partially to blame, but the dropped pass glares. 

Check back in after the ACC championship game with more thoughts and analysis. Enjoy the second-half action!