It was a tumultuous season for the Clemson Tigers, to say the least. Their hopes of defending the ACC's Atlantic Division title dissolved early in the year, and a 4-4 conference record, coupled with the team's second straight loss to South Carolina, left a bitter taste in the collective mouth of Tiger Nation. But Clemson has a chance to end the season on a high note in its bowl matchup with South Florida. The Tigers are looking to avoid the program's first losing season since 1998.
Clemson offense vs. South Florida defense
Its been a frustrating year offensively for Clemson, and, frankly, there's no reason to believe things will improve against the Bulls. The bowl game will be Kyle Parker's last one in a Clemson uniform, so he will likely be hoping to end his career with a better performance than what he offered for most of the regular season. Odds are, however, that redshirt freshman Tajh Boyd will receive at least as much playing time under center as Parker as he prepares to take over the reigns next year. Jamie Harper will likely carry the load at running back, as there's no sense in risking further injury to Andre Ellington, whom the team will need to be at full strength when the 2011 season rolls around. Hopefully DeAndre Hopkins can follow up his stellar performance against South Carolina with one more solid effort before he hits the basketball court. Bryce McNeal, Jaron Brown, and Marquan Jones will need to show out if they want to keep their starting jobs next season, as the Tigers are bringing in a number of talented receivers who should compete for playing time immediately. South Florida is a historically good defensive team, and this year is no exception. The Bulls rank 19th in the country in scoring defense, allowing less than 20 points per game. They sport an impressive linebacking corps, which includes Jacquian Williams, DeDe Lattimore and Sam Barrington, all of whom have at least 60 tackles on the year. Safety Jerrell Young leads the team with three interceptions, and seniors Craig Marshall and Terrell McClain anchor an experienced defensive line.
Key Matchup: Clemson offensive line vs. South Florida defensive line
Clemson's passing game is really not much of a threat, especially against a good defensive team. The Tigers are going to have to pound it out on the ground, and the O-line is going to be key if they are going to be successful.
Advantage: South Florida
South Florida offense vs. Clemson defense
South Florida's offense, like Clemson's, isn't much to write home about. Most of its success comes from running the ball, where Moise Plancher and Demetris Murray have combined for more than 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns. Dual-threat quarterback B.J. Daniels has had a sophomore slump of sorts this year, throwing for just 136 yards per game and more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (nine). Senior Dontavia Bogan is the top receiving target for the Bulls, catching 45 passes for 658 yards and five touchdowns this season. Clemson's defense has held the team together and is largely responsible for what few wins the Tigers did achieve this season. Da'Quan Bowers pulled in numerous national awards and honors after an All-American season, and he will try to wreak havoc on Daniels and the South Florida backfield on Friday. DeAndre McDaniel and other members of the Clemson secondary will be playing their final game for Clemson and are looking to improve their draft stock. A good performance by the Tigers' young linebacking corps would ease what concerns fans may have about it going into next season.
Key Matchup: South Florida running backs vs. Clemson linebackers
South Florida does not pass the ball very effectively, so it will be looking to Plancher and Murray to establish a ground game. Hawkins, Christian, Willard, and Maye will need to assist the Clemson front four if they want to shut down these backs.
Advantage: Clemson
Special Teams
Dawson Zimmerman has punted the ball well all season, but you never know what you're going to get out of kicker Chandler Catanzaro. The Clemson kick return game hasn't been anything special since Ellington's injury. South Florida kicker Maikon Bonani is exceptional and has only missed one field goal inside 50 yards. Punter Justin Brockhaus-Kahn is averaging 38 yards per punt. Lindsey Lamar is dangerous on kick returns and has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns this year.
Advantage: Push
Prediction
If you like offense, this game will be a colossal disappointment. I would be shocked if either team scored more than three times. It's really a question of whose offense can play well enough to tilt the game in their favor. I think Clemson pulls out a win in a defensive struggle.
Clemson 17 South Florida 14
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