1) It looked like Zac Brooks would be a key contributor in the rushing game until he went down with a foot injury last week. Are the Tigers going to lean on D.J. Howard as the remaining back with experience? How does the lack of experience at tailback alter the Tigers' offensive game plan?
Losing Zac Brooks hurts, but he wasn't the starter. Rather he was one of a handful who would have contributed. In his place, Adam Choice (cousin of the great North Avenue Nerd, Tashard Choice) will get snaps instead of redshirting and will be the fourth running back in a committee which will be headed by D.J. Howard. Last week Coach Swinney said "D.J. Howard will start for us, but they're all going to play."
While Howard is certainly no C.J. Spiller or Andre Ellington he can be solid if he is healthy and shows some patience waiting for holes to open up in front of him. Last year against Wake Forest he broke off a swing route for a 75-yard TD that made him look like a superstar (he outruns a defender to the edge then jukes past another).
C.J. Davidson, a former track athlete at Clemson who reminds me of Darren Sproles, and Wayne Gallman, a redshirt freshman they call a "violent runner," round out the committee. All together they should form a competent running back corps, though it's nothing like the stable in Athens.
Without Boyd and Watkins we'll probably see less deep balls. Boyd really had one of the best deep balls out there regardless of the criticism and possible struggles in the NFL. In it's place we'll likely see more short passes and check downs. It's possible some of these quick passes take the place of run plays, but I think that'll be dictated more by what kind of push the offensive line generates than any potential trouble at running back. I don't see running back as a problem position, just not a strength.
We've been waiting for the "smash mouth spread" that Chad Morris talks about for a little while now, but our thin OL and lack of a star RB make it seem like it is still further down the horizon.
2) What's the latest on those Clemson suspensions? Who's in and who's out?
Shaq Anthony was suspended and then decided to transfer. He wasn't a starter, but was the only only backup at offensive tackle listed on the Summer depth chart, so that hurts from a depth stand point. David Beasley, an offensive guard, is also out. He was a possible starter and his loss for this game makes the O-line that much thinner.
Corey Crawford, who had the pick six against Aaron Murray (Kudos to DC Brent Venables for that genius zone blitz play call) is suspended, but Clemson has another senior defensive end behind him plus Shaq Lawson and Vic Beasley, so that shouldn't be a significant loss.
Finally, Garry Peters, a cornerback is suspended. His loss puts some pressure on the younger CBs like former five-star redshirt freshman Mackensie Alexander and sophomore Cordrea Tankersley, but the real concern is the Clemson offensive line against the Bulldog blitz.
3) Other than Brooks, are there any other key injuries that will affect the outcome of this one?
From Clemson's end, the one that was worrying me is Charone Peake. He reinjured his knee this offseason. He is expected to be back in time for week 1, but I'm not sure if he will be 100%. He can be a real difference maker if healthy. I'm encouraged this quote from Dabo Swinney "Charone's been great. I don't even look at him as injured." (credit Aaron Brenner)
Stanton Seckinger, the Clemson tight end who had the go-ahead TD in our previous matchup has been struggling with some ankle issues. He missed a chunk of Fall camp, but is now back and should play versus Georgia. If all the hype around a refocused Jordan Leggett comes to fruition then Clemson should be ok at tight end without Seckinger and in great shape with him.
4) How did Cole Stoudt edge out Deshaun Watson? Was it just taking care of the ball and familiarity with the playbook? Will Stoudt still be the starter by the South Carolina game?
Deshaun Watson injured his collar bone during Summer camp at which point they felt comfortable naming Cole Stoudt the starter. Watson should get some playing time, if not against UGA then against SC State in week two and more through the succeeding weeks.
Cole Stoudt has been in the program for three years and has the leadership skills you want in your quarterback. He's in an impossible position following arguably the greatest QB in program history. Tajh leaves and at the same time the team's best playmaker goes to the Buffalo Bills and the best offensive lineman goes to the 49ers. Stoudt will have a tougher task than Boyd and because of Tajh's immense success (tied for most all-time wins by a Clemson QB), a higher standard. That said, I think there is a general feeling of comfort with Cole Stoudt because of his demeanor, maturity, and experience. At minimum, he should be serviceable. At best he can be an extremely accurate leader who rarely makes a foolish decision.
Watson will be great, but there's no need to rush along a true freshman when you simply don't have to. I don't see Stoudt not getting any snaps unless he is injured, but a dual-QB system isn't out of the question (thought I personally think some of it is just talk).
5) What's your score prediction for the game? Mine is 34-28 Georgia. I think the home field advantage that helped push Clemson to victory last year flips this season in another contest between very evenly matched teams.
I'm not so sure about Georgia putting up 34 on Clemson, but I agree with you on home field advantage. Last year's contest took place in one of the best college football atmosphere's I've ever experienced. It certainly had some impact on the game. Sanford is an impressive place and I expect the fans to make an impact.
Clemson's defensive line should be disruptive enough to hold the Dawgs under 34, but I do see Georgia winning by something like 28-27. Punching it in the redzone without Tajh Boyd's QB Power or Martivis on the fade route may be tricky and could be the difference. He lost our stud kicker as well. Win or lose, I'm glad the AD's were able to make this series happen. I love playing the Dawgs and I hope they can get it started back up again by 2018.
Thanks to Ryan for taking a few minutes to talk with us, and here's to a hard-fought and clean game between two storied rivals. Until later . . .
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