Three Georgia Tech Players Clemson Must Contain

Published November 11, Clemson is preparing for a Week 11 home game against Georgia Tech, which beat the Tigers last season on a walk-off field goal. Clemson enters the matchup after road wins over Florida State and Syracuse and will return to Death Valley on November 14.

Thomas, a fifth-year defensive tackle who transferred to Georgia Tech after stops at Louisville and Colorado, has recorded 46 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a pass deflection and a forced fumble in eight games. His run-defense grade ranks fourth among defensive tackles, despite the Yellow Jackets allowing more than 220 rushing yards per game. Clemson’s offensive line is dealing with injuries.

Allen leads Georgia Tech with 49 catches and 576 receiving yards, though he has scored once. He typically plays in the slot and could face Clemson nickelback Branden Strozier, who recently became the starter after Donovan Starr sustained a season-ending ankle injury. Allen could also line up against Ashton Hampton or Elliot Washington. Another receiver, Dalen Penson, has 33 catches for 500 yards and two touchdowns.

Haynes has gained 718 yards from scrimmage and scored six touchdowns on 138 touches in eight games. Georgia Tech’s Trelain Maddox has added 475 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns. Clemson’s defense has allowed 122.3 rushing yards per game and 3.57 per carry, giving the Tigers a stronger statistical record against the run than Georgia Tech’s offense has produced. The matchup will test whether the Yellow Jackets can make progress on the ground in Clemson.