College Gameday will be deep in the heart of Texas for this week’s Gameday Game. The Texas A&M Aggies and Clemson Tigers are both looking to move to 2-0 in Week 2 after easily dispatching of FCS minnows in their openers. The Aggies had no trouble getting past Northwestern State last Thursday night in a 59-7 rout, while the Tigers thrashed Furman 48-7. This will be the first chance for Jimbo Fisher to prove that he was worth $75 million this offseason.
This matchup in Week 2 will take place on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at 7 p.m. ET at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Clemson -12.5
Texas A&M +12.5
Over/Under 54
Odds Analysis
Clemson opened up as an 11-point favorite on the NCAAF betting line in this one, and the line has since gone up to where it currently rests at 12.5. It might still have a way to go too considering Dabo Swinney’s record over Fisher in recent years.
The total has dropped a good chunk as well since Sunday evening. The CFB betting odds initially put the over/under at 57, but that number has since fallen to 54.
Position to Watch
All throughout the offseason, the big question at Clemson was who would be the starting quarterback against Furman. Kelly Bryant was the starter last year, and he led Clemson to the College Football Playoff. However, there was significant buzz swirling around freshman phenom Trevor Lawrence throughout the offseason, and some thought he would end up winning the starting job.
Both Bryant and Lawrence played against the Paladins, and both quarterbacks had great outings. Lawrence looked like more of a passing threat going 9 of 15 for 137 yards and three touchdowns on the afternoon, while Bryant was more of the dual threat option, going 11 of 17 for 132 yards with one score through the air and running for 44 yards and another score on the ground.
Swinney has already said that he plans on playing both Bryant and Lawrence against Texas A&M. It’s hard to blame him too much considering how talented each player is and what they both bring to the table. Defensive coordinator Mike Elko will have his work cut out for him when it comes to shutting either one of these two down.
Coaching Angle
Fisher has always used a pro-style offense. He wants to use a huddle, take his time with playcalling, and try to find the right play in order to pick apart the opposing defense. He had a lot of success with that during his time at Florida State, but it may take some time to bring different players in to make that system work in College Station.
Previous head coach Kevin Sumlin ran a spread during his time at Texas A&M, and he recruited as such. He put the emphasis on dual-threat quarterbacks over the classic dropback passers that Fisher prefers, but he did leave the cupboard stocked in terms of skill position players and offensive linemen. The latter will need to perform well as a unit here.
Free ATS Pick
When Clemson played Auburn in Week 2 last season, it was a defensive slugfest that saw Clemson prevail thanks to their great defensive line. They had 11 sacks and blew up numerous other plays in that game, completely shutting down Auburn’s offense.
All four of those starting defensive linemen return to this front four, and they are out to make life tough for the Aggies. Dexter Lawrence, Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, and Christian Wilkins constitute one of the best defensive lines college football has seen in quite some time. They will be going against an experienced, talented offensive line, but Clemson’s foursome will prove to be too much. Fisher’s proclivity for taking his time in calling plays will help the front four stay rested, and they will stay on the field longer than they would against a hurry-up offense.
College Football Odds: Clemson 34, Texas A&M 14
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