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Clemson vs. Miami, ACC Championship Game preview, predictions, viewing info

By Nathaniel Reeves

SYRACUSE, NY - OCTOBER 13: Austin Bryant #7 of the Clemson Tigers participates in warm ups before the game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome on October 13, 2017 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeats Clemson 27-24. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - OCTOBER 13: Austin Bryant #7 of the Clemson Tigers participates in warm ups before the game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome on October 13, 2017 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeats Clemson 27-24. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – NOVEMBER 18: University of Miami Hurricanes Wide Receiver Braxton Berrios (8) during the college football game between the Virginia Cavaliers and the University of Miami Hurricanes on November 18, 2017 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – NOVEMBER 18: University of Miami Hurricanes Wide Receiver Braxton Berrios (8) during the college football game between the Virginia Cavaliers and the University of Miami Hurricanes on November 18, 2017 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Matchups to Watch

Braxton Berrios vs. Trayvon Mullen

If Richards is indeed limited or out due to the elbow problem, Miami’s passing offense will need to lean heavily on Berrios, making him the top priority for the Clemson secondary.

Berrios has made a huge leap as a senior with 44 catches for 574 yards and nine touchdowns this season, and may have kept the Hurricanes perfect season alive with a crucial late reception in the win over Florida State. While he doesn’t have the big play ability of Richards or elite physical skills like Herndon IV, Berrios has emerged as a terrific slot receiver in the red zone and can do some damage once he’s in the open field.

Clemson’s secondary was a minor concern after losing Cordrea Tankersley and Jarar Johnson from last year’s national champion team, but the unit has allowed just 5.9 yards per pass attempt to rank sixth nationally. Sophomore Trayvon Mullen has emerged as Clemson’s top corner with 36 tackles and three interceptions, and will likely be tasked with keeping Berrios in check due to his terrific versatility.

Mitch Hyatt vs. Joe Jackson and Chad Thomas 

Miami might have the most athletic front seven in college football and ranks fifth nationally with a 9.79 sack percentage. Fortunately for the Tigers, Hyatt is one of the best linemen in college football and has the ability to handle the challenge in pass protection.

There’s a ton of different options for the Hurricanes up front, but Joe Jackson might be Clemson’s top worry, as the dynamic sophomore has 9.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Chad Thomas can also cause some major problems at 6-6. 275 pounds, while Shaquille Quarterman and Michael Pinckney can get into the backfield quickly off the edge.

Hyatt earned a starting job on the Clemson offensive line as a true freshman in 2015 and earned his third straight All-ACC Team honor with another terrific campaign. The 6-5, 305-pound junior is a top NFL prospect due to his terrific release off the snap and will need to be at his best to slow down Miami’s imposing front.

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