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Clemson Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Wake Forest

By Connor Muldowney

BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 30: Dorian O'Daniel #6 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 30: Dorian O'Daniel #6 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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Clemson football will host Wake Forest on Saturday afternoon and here’s everything you need to know.

If you’ve paid attention to the college football landscape this season, you’d realize that Clemson is arguably the best team in the country. The Tigers seem to have what it takes to repeat as national champions — something that seemed improbable after last season.

Kelly Bryant has been playing exceptionally well and he’s replaced Deshaun Watson better than anyone could have expected. Dabo Swinney has a talented squad on his hands yet again and he will need to avoid an upset on Saturday against an improved Wake Forest team.

The Demon Deacons have begun the season 4-1 with a 1-1 record in ACC play and they were arguably a couple plays away from 5-0 and an upset of Florida State. Can they put a scare into the Clemson Tigers as well?

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Clemson vs. Wake Forest game:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 7
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Clemson, S.C.
Venue: Memorial Stadium
TV: ESPN 2
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Clemson needs to keep the confident Bryant going. The Tigers are known for running the ball effectively, averaging nearly 250 yards per game, but this is the perfect opportunity to let him sling the ball around a bit. Wake Forest has the nation’s 52nd-ranked defense, so it wouldn’t hurt to let him try to beat the Demon Deacons with his arm.

For Wake Forest, making Bryant uncomfortable in the pocket and forcing some ill-advised throws will be key. They’re already expecting him to burn the Demon Deacons with his legs, but in order for Wake Forest to have a shot, it needs to win the turnover battle and get to Bryant early and often. This isn’t going to be an easy task. Oh yeah, and protect John Wolford against that scary Clemson front.

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Prediction

This one is going to be close — for a quarter. The Tigers and Demon Deacons will be knotted at 7-7 after one quarter and then it will be all Clemson. The Tigers are going to burn the Demon Deacons with some big pass plays and Bryant will total over 350 yards of offense. Clemson is just building its College Football Playoff resume at this point.

Final Score: Wake Forest 14, Clemson 35

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