09: Clemson Tigers-Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders

Written by Mark | 02 September 2009

College Football 9/5/09

Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (Sun Belt)-Clemson Tigers (ACC)

By Mark • Saturday, September 5th, 2009 6 PM EST

Clemson (0-0) vs. Middle Tennessee State (0-0)
Line-Clemson -18

Clemson and Middle Tennessee State met once in 1993 so this game for all intent and purposes is nothing more than a first time meeting. Many believe the Tigers could be poised to make a run at the Atlantic Division of the ACC, but that remains to be seen. MTSU could make a name for themselves with the upset, especially at Death Valley but that also remains to be seen.

Dabo Swinney went from wide receivers coach to interim coach and is now the official HC of Clemson, so to say he quickly climbed the ladder of success would be an understatement. With 15 starters returning from last season, there is some familiarity between coach and players and something of a foundation to build on. Clemson had an average passing attack in 2008 garnering 218 yards per game which is nothing to write home about if they had a running game which they didn't. The Tigers had one of the weaker rushing attacks in the country ranked at #100 at just 111 yards. CJ Spiller could change all that and with the departure of James Davis, as he becomes the go to man. Spiller has speed to burn, as he is a 3 time All American sprinter at 100 meters. What this means is probably more touches, as Clemson will try to get him the ball more especially in the passing game to get him in space. WR Jacoby Ford is the 60 meter National Champion and needless to say a home run hitter in the passing game. The Tigers have 8 players back on a defense that allowed only 300 yards and 17 ppg last year so the Tigers will continue to lean hard on this group.

Middle Tennessee has 16 players back, 10 being on offense minus quarterback Joe Craddock. Dwight Dasher gets the call and even though the Blue Raiders were predominantly a passing offense in 2008, I would think Dasher will dunk and dink some short throws to get his feet wet in the first few possessions. MTSU likes to run the no huddle and attack against a tired ‘D' that can't substitute, so sooner or later we'll see if Dasher can throw because that appears to be their only reliable method of moving the sticks. Middle Tennessee does not have much of a rushing game and were only #104 nationally in '08 averaging just 106 yards. Combined with their inability to score points (23 ppg) and it's just a matter of time before the Blue Raiders abandon the running game altogether here. MTSU was not stellar defensively and was hit with 153 yards on the ground, and Clemson is looking to run the ball so it's an 'I'm going to do this until you stop me' scenario that's unfolding.

Middle Tennessee was a poor cover team in 2008 going 5-7 ATS and 3-4 ATS away from home while Clemson was even worse with an overall mark of 4-7 ATS and a bad 2-4 against the number at home. The trends favor MTSU as they are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 non conference games and the Tigers are just 1-4 ATS in their last 5. All I know is if Clemson comes out flat against an inferior opponent on opening day at home, it could set the tone for the year.