The Clemson Tigers will take on South Carolina State on Saturday, and the Bulldogs will be in for a long day in Death Valley.
Deshaun Watson and the Clemson Tigers will host the South Carolina State Bulldogs on Saturday, in a classic matchup between a national power and a cupcake. The Bulldogs will not be able to handle the Tigers prolific offense, and this game could get out of hand early. Watson has not had the kind of season he was hoping for to start 2016, but he will get very healthy against South Carolina State in Week 3.
The two-headed monster of Watson and running back Wayne Gallman is expected to lead Clemson back to the National Championship Game. Despite a 2-0 record, the Tigers have been dropping in the polls, and are now the fifth-ranked team in the country. The Tigers travel to Louisville on October 1, so they have a few weeks to get ready for their first big test of the season.
Three things to know
1. Clemson is on a mission
Despite the 2-0 start, there are not many happy feelings in Death Valley. Quarterback Deshaun Watson recently apologized to his team for his early season play, and wants to get the Clemson offense back on track. Wayne Gallman has also gotten off to a slow start, so expect the starter to get a bunch of work before the game gets too out of hand.
2. Forget the early season woes
The Tigers traveled to Auburn in their opener, barely winning on the road 19-13. Then, in Week 2, Clemson hosted Troy in their home opener, squeaking by 30-24. This week, those games will become a distant memory, as the Tigers will likely match their point total from the first two weeks in this game alone. The conference schedule begins next week, and Clemson will be at full throttle when they travel to play Georgia Tech on September 22.
3. The Tigers will get back to having fun
Clemson has played South Carolina State three times in the past, outscoring the Bulldogs 179-20. In his career, Watson is 20-2 as the team’s starting quarterback, and he stated that this week will me a mix of “fun and execution.” You should see a potent Tigers offense on Saturday, as the team gets back to running up the score, and having a good time on the football field.
For those who wish to watch the Clemson vs. South Carolina State game online, here is all you need to know.
More fansided.com: 30 Greatest College Football Stadiums
Date: September 17, 2016
Start Time: 12:00 pm ET
Location: Clemson, SC
Stadium: Memorial Stadium
Live Stream: WatchESPN ACC Network
This game is going to get out of hand early, as the Tigers cruise to a 3-0 record. For any team to play in Death Valley is tough, but South Carolina State is walking into a buzz saw. Watson and company are going to hang a big number on the Bulldogs, as they prepare for a road game against Georgia Tech next week.