The past decade hasn’t been kind to Georgia Tech in its nearly annual meeting with rival Clemson.
The Yellow Jackets have dropped nine games in a row against the Tigers, with just one of those matchups decided by fewer than 14 points.
After not playing each other last year for the first time since 1982, a confident Georgia Tech will host No. 12 Clemson in Atlanta in each team’s Atlantic Coast Conference opener with arguably its best chance to notch a series win for the first time since 2014.
Clemson (1-1) has stumbled through its first two weeks of the season. After falling flat in the season opener against then-No. 9 LSU, 17-10, Clemson had to overcome a 16-point deficit at home to Troy last week, avoiding a crushing early season loss with a 27-16 victory.
Clemson had lofty expectations entering the season, beginning the year at No. 4, but the national hype surrounding the team has taken a hit after two uninspiring outings.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney knows the importance of Saturday’s meeting and the trajectory his team can take with either outcome.
“You lose a game in conference, you got the wind in your face,” Swinney said. “It’s a tough, strong, physical offense that is very committed to their style of play. Every single snap you have the threat of the quarterback, the running back, and some type of outlet.”
Heralded as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate entering his senior season, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik seemingly has regressed through two games. He has averaged just 213 passing yards, while the offense is averaging 288.5.
“The biggest thing is getting in rhythm,”Swinney said. “We really played well those last few drives (against Troy) and got into some rhythm. But we have not played with the rhythm and precision you need to really roll guys.”
Georgia Tech (2-0) received 78 votes in the latest installment of the Associated Press rankings, third most in teams outside of the Top 25. After rallying for a season-opening win at Colorado, the Yellow Jackets steamrolled Gardner-Webb 59-12 last weekend.
The glaring question now for Georgia Tech is under center. Haynes King, who was voted second behind Klubnik for ACC Preseason Player of the Year, was a late scratch against Gardner-Webb with a lower body injury. In his place, Aaron Philo threw for 373 yards on his way to earning ACC Rookie of the Week honors.
Although Clemson likely will prepare for either quarterback, Georgia Tech coach Brent Key doesn’t appear to be concerned about King’s status.
“(Haynes) is doing well. We’ll make decisions once we get into practice. He’s expected to practice this week,” Key said. “I’m going to listen to the doctors. I’m going to do what they say when it comes to that, because that’s the priority when it comes to our players.”
A win over Clemson has been a long time coming for Georgia Tech, which holds a 50-36-2 all-time lead in the series, which began in 1898. For Key, the Tigers’ lackluster start to the season won’t dissuade the Yellow Jackets from proper preparation.
“Dabo has been there for a long time and (has) the culture of the team intact,” Key said. “… You rarely look at the score of the game. I’m looking at the film and the players, and they’ve got really good talent. They’re well-coached, and they’ve got some resilience in them.”