Sep 273 min read

Tigers Look to Stay Strong Against Stanford Cardinal

Tigers against Cardinal — © Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images

On Sept. 28, the 17th-ranked Clemson Tigers (2-1, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) will look to stay strong against the Stanford Cardinal (2-1, 1-0) in the first meeting between the two schools since 1986. Clemson won that game 27-21. This is a game of seconds, as the Cardinal will be playing in their second ACC game and playing against the Tigers for only the second time. The Cardinal will face a tough test in primetime at Clemson.

What's at Stake?

For the Tigers, after a bad loss against the then-top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference), head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers have turned on the gas for this offense, outscoring their opponents 125-55 in the team's two wins. The Tigers are another team in the ACC seeking to return to the national stage after a perceived "off-year" for quarterback Cade Klubnik and company. With a date against the conference-rival Florida State (1-3, 1-2) the following week, is this a test for the Tigers to focus on the game at hand? Continuing their high-scoring ways will go a long way in helping the Tigers enter the College Football Playoff picture.

For the Cardinal, head coach Troy Taylor has the team playing well in its first season in the ACC. Winning their very first game in the conference last week against the Syracuse Orange (2-1, 1-1) sent a bit of a shock through the conference. They are a fighting team that will play for all 60 minutes. This game will pose a challenge for the Cardinal. Can the defense disrupt the Tigers' offense enough to give the offense and quarterback Ashton Daniels a chance at a very big upset? Stanford is currently a 21.5-point underdog.

Clemson Tigers to Watch

On offense, Klubnik seems to have found his way playing in this Air Raid-style offense. In Clemson's two victories, he's thrown for 587 of his 729 total yards and 8 touchdowns, he's also added 3 touchdowns rushing in the two wins. He's also done that only playing in the first half of both games. His receivers, Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco and Adam Randall, have been exciting to watch as they know how to get open and make plays in and out of traffic. Defensively, fan-favorite Wade Woodaz is second on the team in tackles from his linebacker position. He always seems to be around the ball and finishes his tackles well. Defensive end TJ Parker has been the disruptor in the backfield leading the team in sacks.

Stanford Cardinal to Watch

The Cardinal offense has playmakers. Daniels has the tools and ability to make plays with his arm or his legs. This season, he is the team's leading rusher with 163 yards in addition to 562 yards passing and 4 touchdowns. In their win against the Orange, a new running back emerged in freshman Chris Davis Jr. Davis was impressive in his running and his fearlessness to run between the tackles. He is a great compliment to an offense that features young receiver Elic Ayomanor who is building off his 1,000-yard season in 2023. Ayomanor is a big receiver who has the agility to get open and the football intelligence to know how to do so. Defensively, linebacker Gaethan Bernadel is the guy to watch. He's a tackle machine and attacks downhill with a high motor to make plays.

Key Matchup to Watch

Aveion Terrell vs. Elic Ayomanor

This matchup will give the nation a chance to watch one of the top receivers against one of the top cornerbacks in the country. Terrell is a blanket corner with the athletic ability and speed to keep pace with anyone. He's also got the physical play style to challenge any receiver. So far Terrell has 4 pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery to go with 10 tackles. Ayomanor leads the Cardinal offense in receiving yards with 234 and is averaging 13.8 yards per reception.