Clemson Football: Georgia Tech's Biggest Threats

Who are the key players to watch when the Tigers take on the Yellow Jackets this Saturday?
Clemson Football: Georgia Tech's Biggest Threats
Clemson Football: Georgia Tech's Biggest Threats /

It's certainly a better feeling heading into this weekend than it was this time last week. Coming off a victory and seeing a little bit of swagger back from Dabo Swinney has put some juice back into the finish of this regular season. Now the Tigers have to keep that momentum going against a strong Georgia Tech team.

The Yellow Jackets are a dangerous team with multiple wins against ranked opponents already this year, including one in Miami, a team that the Tigers lost to earlier this year. Here are the players that will be leading the Yellow Jackets in their upset bid at Clemson.

Haynes King - Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King / Atlantic Coast Conference

1. Haynes King, Quarterback

Stats: 2,330 yards passing | 63.3% completion percentage | 22 touchdowns | 10 interceptions. He also has 545 rushing yards on 7.2 yards a carry and 5 touchdowns. 

The Texas A&M transfer has been a boon to this Georgia Tech offense. King is a dual threat who can make a big play at any time from anywhere on the field. His ten interceptions prove he's susceptible to mistakes and Clemson will have to capitalize on those chances when they come. He doesn't get sacked much either so keeping him in the pocket and forcing him to beat you through the air will be key.

2. Eric Singleton Jr., Wide Receiver

Stats: 33 catches | 552 yards | 6 touchdowns. Averaging 16.7 yards a catch.

This freshman has become the premier big-play threat for the Yellow Jackets. His six touchdowns are double the amount of the next closest receiver, Malik Rutherford, and he's proven to be a reliable go-to player. At only 5'11, he's not the biggest body in the red zone, but he's consistently found ways to get open, especially downfield where he can use his speed to lose his defenders.

3. Kyle Kennard, Defensive Lineman

Stats: 40 total tackles | 6 sacks | 1 interception | 2 forced fumbles | 2 fumble recoveries.

Kennard shows up everywhere on that stat sheet. The fourth-year junior is having the best season of his career and with his six sacks - no one else has more than 2 for Tech - this will be the player most likely to disrupt things in the backfield for Cade Klubnik. At an impressive 6-foot-5 and 238 lbs, he still manages to find himself around the ball at all times and with the Tigers' fumbling troubles this year don't be surprised if Kennard finds the ball in his hands once again. 


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