StructuralPoke
09-01-2005, 04:56 PM
Hadn't seen this posted yet here on your board, thought you'd appreciate the read even though you won't agree with the prediction.
http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/2869272
Game of the Week
Texas A&M at Clemson -- Saturday at 8 p.m. ET
Why to watch: The rematch of last year's 27-6 A&M win is a big battle for conference bragging rights as well as national respect. Both programs are looking for a big year, and the winner will get a major confidence boost and a major feather in its cap. This is a must-win for Clemson with at Maryland, Miami, Boston College, and road trips to Wake Forest and NC State to follow. The Tigers can't afford to lose games at home. Texas A&M has it easy with SMU, Texas State and Baylor over the next month, so a win in Death Valley will mean a 4-0 start.
Why Texas A&M might win: Is the Clemson offense going to be better right away after finishing 110th in the nation last year? New offensive coordinator Rob Spence should help to improve things, but the Aggie front seven isn't a group you want to play against if you're trying to improve. The Aggies are experienced enough, led by veteran QB Reggie McNeal, to not be the least bit fazed by playing in a hostile environment like Death Valley. If last year counts for anything, and it might with so many of the same players returning for both sides, Clemson was lousy at holding on to the ball while A&M was one of the best in the nation in turnover margin.
Why Clemson might win: The Tiger defense is fast enough to keep McNeal in check. McNeal is a good enough passer to keep the Tiger D from keying on his running skills, but he's at his best when he's mixing it up with his legs and his arm. He could also have a tough time coming up with big pass plays going against one of the ACC's best starting secondaries.
Who to watch: Will the real Charlie Whitehurst please stand up? The Clemson quarterback struggled through one of 2004's most puzzling collapses with only seven touchdown passes and 17 interceptions. Under Spence, Whitehurst will have to make more decisions and have to be sharper with his short-to-medium range passing. The Tigers have a good running game to keep the chains moving, but they can't win if they don't get an efficient, mistake-free game from Whitehurst.
What will happen: Call this a home game pick with Clemson being much stronger this year at home. The Tiger defense will bottle up McNeal and the Aggie offense for most of the game, but it's not going to be a walk in the park. Whitehurst will have plenty of chances to make big plays against A&M's left-on-an-island coverage in the secondary, and he'll come through.
Line: Texas A&M -1
Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 Watch The Comeback) ... 4
Fearless Prediction: Clemson 20 ... Texas A&M 17
http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/2869272
Game of the Week
Texas A&M at Clemson -- Saturday at 8 p.m. ET
Why to watch: The rematch of last year's 27-6 A&M win is a big battle for conference bragging rights as well as national respect. Both programs are looking for a big year, and the winner will get a major confidence boost and a major feather in its cap. This is a must-win for Clemson with at Maryland, Miami, Boston College, and road trips to Wake Forest and NC State to follow. The Tigers can't afford to lose games at home. Texas A&M has it easy with SMU, Texas State and Baylor over the next month, so a win in Death Valley will mean a 4-0 start.
Why Texas A&M might win: Is the Clemson offense going to be better right away after finishing 110th in the nation last year? New offensive coordinator Rob Spence should help to improve things, but the Aggie front seven isn't a group you want to play against if you're trying to improve. The Aggies are experienced enough, led by veteran QB Reggie McNeal, to not be the least bit fazed by playing in a hostile environment like Death Valley. If last year counts for anything, and it might with so many of the same players returning for both sides, Clemson was lousy at holding on to the ball while A&M was one of the best in the nation in turnover margin.
Why Clemson might win: The Tiger defense is fast enough to keep McNeal in check. McNeal is a good enough passer to keep the Tiger D from keying on his running skills, but he's at his best when he's mixing it up with his legs and his arm. He could also have a tough time coming up with big pass plays going against one of the ACC's best starting secondaries.
Who to watch: Will the real Charlie Whitehurst please stand up? The Clemson quarterback struggled through one of 2004's most puzzling collapses with only seven touchdown passes and 17 interceptions. Under Spence, Whitehurst will have to make more decisions and have to be sharper with his short-to-medium range passing. The Tigers have a good running game to keep the chains moving, but they can't win if they don't get an efficient, mistake-free game from Whitehurst.
What will happen: Call this a home game pick with Clemson being much stronger this year at home. The Tiger defense will bottle up McNeal and the Aggie offense for most of the game, but it's not going to be a walk in the park. Whitehurst will have plenty of chances to make big plays against A&M's left-on-an-island coverage in the secondary, and he'll come through.
Line: Texas A&M -1
Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 Watch The Comeback) ... 4
Fearless Prediction: Clemson 20 ... Texas A&M 17