GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Will Duke’s defense be able to slow Clemson’s potent rushing attack? Suffice to say history isn’t on the Blue Devils’ side. The Tigers have enjoyed plenty of success against Duke on the ground; 23 Clemson players have rushed for at least 100 yards against Duke, more than against any other opponent. In fact, the top two single-game rushing efforts in school history came against Duke — 263 yards by Raymond Priester in 1995 and 260 yards by Cliff Austin in 1982. Both of those games were at Clemson, much like Saturday night’s game, which probably provides plenty of incentive for sophomore running back Travis Etienne. Etienne could be in for a big day against a Duke defense that ranks 11th in the ACC by allowing more than 212 yards a game. Etienne eclipsed the 1,000-yard barrier last week at Boston College and although he had “only” 78 yards, the sophomore back averaged 7.1 per carry. Each of Clemson’s top four running backs have posted at least one 100-yard game this season and the Tigers have had three backs over 100 yards in the same game on two occasions this season.
DRAFT SLANT
–DL Christian Wilkins is projected as a first-round NFL Draft pick, which comes to no surprise to those who have watched his career at Clemson. An agile, 6-foot-4, 315-pounder, Wilkins is a defensive tackle who fancies himself as a running back or quarterback but has done the bulk of his work on defense. Last week he impressed scouts once again against Boston College, recording five tackles, including one tackle for loss, and a quarterback hurry in the Tigers’ 27-7 victory. Wilkins also has proven rather durable — Saturday’s game against Duke will represent Wilkins’ 41st career start, which will break Jim Stuckey’s school record for career starts by a defensive tackle.
ROSTER REPORT:
–OT Mitch Hyatt, who missed some playing time at Boston College with a slight shoulder injury, is expected to start Saturday against Duke.
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