Get ready for this one, college football fans: ESPN analyst Greg McElroy is calling a brutal 34-13 loss for Clemson against No. 4 Miami this Saturday night. Yeah, you read that right. Despite Clemson rocking a three-game winning streak, McElroy just isn’t buying their chances in this primetime matchup.
Miami’s Ground Game: The Undeniable Mismatch
McElroy broke it down on his Always College Football preview, pointing straight to Miami’s rushing attack going up against Clemson’s run defense as the “biggest mismatch right now.” And honestly, the numbers don’t lie. While Clemson’s defense hasn’t given up a single run of 20-plus yards all season, opponents are still grinding out 4.5 yards per carry against them. McElroy thinks Miami can absolutely chew up that vulnerability without even needing those flashy, explosive plays.
Tigers Offense Needs a Huge Night From the Ground Game
So, what about Clemson’s side of the ball? The Tigers need their own rushing attack to be on fire, especially after dropping 255 yards on Cal in their last outing. If Gideon Davidson can have another monster night, that’s gonna be huge for freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds. This dude is stepping into his toughest assignment yet since taking over as the starter, and McElroy is crystal clear: Reynolds has to find his rhythm fast. “He’s going to have to settle down faster,” McElroy stressed, because “this group he’s playing against is the real deal.”
Now, can Clemson pull off the upset? McElroy thinks it’s possible, but it’s gonna take some serious help. We’re talking Miami making mistakes, maybe a spark from Clemson’s special teams, or a couple of clutch turnovers. But ultimately, McElroy’s gut says Miami’s efficiency is just too much. Both teams are unbeaten in ACC play, setting the stage for what should be a wild game, no matter the predicted outcome. Catch it all Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Don’t miss it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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