ACC Championship Preview

Clemson Tigers (11-1, 7-1) vs. Miami Hurricanes (10-1, 7-1)

Clemson Wins If: Kelly Bryant Finds Consistency
Kelly Bryant has been solid in 2017, but what he needs to be is consistent to win this football game, and that has not been his strong suit this fall. Bryant has passed for just 12 TDs on the season with six picks, and his rushing totals are all over the place as well. Miami has one of the better front sevens in college football, and Bryant will have to be on his A game to beat it.

Clemson Wins If: They Follow the Game Plan That Pitt Rolled Out Last Week
Malik Rosier completed just 44% of his passes in an upset loss to the Panthers in the regular season finale last week, and Clemson has to be able to pressure Rosier into making mistakes in ball placement this week as well. Clemson allows just 169.7 yards passing per game, and that could spell trouble for the Hurricanes this week.

Miami Wins If: Travis Homer Finds a Way To Explode
Homer has done an admirable job taking over for the injured Mark Walton, but he has not found a consistent week to week groove, and he was shut down by Pitt last week to the tune of just 12 yards rushing on seven carries. He has rushed for 861 yards this seasonand had a 146 yard effort against Notre Dame in the win. If he can replicate that night, Miami has a shot,because the passing game cannot do it alone.

Miami Wins If: They Don't Bend and Break On Defense
The Hurricanes allow just over 18 points per game, but they do allow a bit of activity between the 20s. Miami allows 210 yards passing per game, and just over 152 yards rushing, and if you allow that to Clemson, you are playing with fire.

Clemson Key Players Offense: QB Kelly Bryant, Rb Travis Etienne, RB Tavien Feaster, WR Deon Cain, WR Hunter Renfrow, WR Ray Ray McCloud
Clemson Key Players Defense: LB Dorian O'Daniel, LB Kendall Joseph, DL Clelin Farrell, DL Austin Bryant, DL Christian Wilkins, DB Ryan Carter, DB AJ Terrell, DB Taryvon Mullen

Miami Key Players Offense: QB Malik Rosier, RB Travis Homer, WR Braxton Berrios, TE Christopher Herndon IV, WR Jeff Thomas
Miami Key Players Defense: LB Jaquan Johnson, DL RJ McIntosh, DL Trent Harris, DL Joe Jackson, DL Chad Thomas, DB Malek Young