Preview and Prediction: Clemson-Miami

The All Clemson staff give their thoughts and predictions for the Tigers' game against the Miami Hurricanes.

Clemson will attempt to extend the third-longest streak of consecutive 10-win seasons in FBS history on Saturday, Nov. 19, when the 9-1 Tigers host the 5-5 Miami Hurricanes on Clemson’s Senior Day. Kickoff at Memorial Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Clemson has won at least 10 games in 11 consecutive seasons.

A win on Saturday would be Clemson’s 10th of the 2022 season and would allow the Tigers to join record-holders Florida State (14 from 1987-2000) and Alabama (14 from 2008-21) as the only FBS programs ever to win 10 or more games in 12 consecutive seasons. Though Saturday’s game will not be Clemson’s 2022 home finale, Clemson will honor its 2022 senior class prior to the game.

In recent years in which Clemson has hosted its regular season finale against South Carolina, the Tigers have opted to instead honor the group in the game preceding that charged rivalry contest. Clemson’s seniors are 43-7 in the last four seasons, the third-most wins in the country in that span behind Alabama (45) and Georgia (44). The group will have the opportunity to become the 11th senior class in Clemson history to win at least three conference championships when it faces North Carolina in the ACC Championship Game on Dec. 3.

Zach Lentz: The key to this game comes down to one thing and one thing only: run the damn ball. If you are the Tigers, you should be able to impose your will on a Hurricane defense that has been porous against the run. With the rivalry game looming next week, and a playoff berth still in their sites, it is time for the Tigers to make a statement--and this week, they do just that.

Clemson 41, Miami 17

Brad Senkiw: More interesting than the actual football will be the environment. There isn't a lot of juice to this game. Clemson isn't playing for any ACC implications. The Hurricanes are far from ranked at .500. Sure, the Tigers are still in the playoff hunt but they might not control their own destiny. It wouldn't be far-fetched to think Clemson overlooks this game, but maybe Miami's historical clout will keep that from happening. The Tigers could use some style points and continue to build off last week's momentum. They'll run the ball well enough and get plenty of defense to figure the Hurricanes out. 

Clemson 34, Miami 17

Jason Priester: The Hurricanes have been far from a model of consistency this season, and if Clemson can find a way to cut down on the turnovers, this one shouldn't be all that close. Two weeks ago, Florida State shredded the Canes for 229 yards rushing yards and the Tigers will come in wanting to run the football, as well. Expect a heavy dose of Will Shipley and Phil Mafah, and maybe even some Kobe Pace, who is expected to return this weekend. Whether Tyler Van Dyke or freshman Jacurri Brown starts at QB for the Hurricanes, it won't matter. 

Clemson 31 Miami 13

Will Vandervort: It is gong to be interesting to see how Clemson handles Miami's quarterback situation. Tyler Van Dyke is a typical drop-back passer. Jacurri Brown is elusive and can move around in the pocket. He also is more of a factor in the Hurricanes' run game. Both present different challenges and both are more than capable of making big plays and causing problems for the Tigers' defense. However, if Clemson plays defense like it did last week, where it was flying to the football and creating havoc in the backfield then the Tigers are more than capable of stopping a Miami offense that has been downright bad at times this season. On the other side of the ball, Miami's defensive line is not bad. They are decent at stopping the run, they are second in the ACC in tackles for loss and third in sacks. Clemson needs to keep DJ Uiagalelei involved in the run game. That should help the Tigers get some big plays in the passing game, where the 'Canes are allowing 8.5 yards per attempt. The key for Clemson is taking care of the football. It has turned the football over nine times in the last three games. They can't to that on Saturday and give Miami hope. It's Senior Day, it will be cold and I think the Tigers get the win. However, like a lot of games this year, it likely will not be pretty.

Clemson 27, Miami 17