Texas has a dynamic running back duo in sophomore Quintrevion Wisner and junior Jaydon Blue, who both have over 800 scrimmage yards. The Blues have been held back in their last two games against Texas A&M and Georgia, allowing just nine rushing yards in those two games combined. Wisner led Texas in rushing yards with 51 against the Bulldogs. Either back could come off at any time, which is why Clemson’s senior linebacker barrett carter He said tackling and communication were essential for the Tigers to get this win.
“They’re explosive, they’ve got running backs. They’ve got an elite quarterback, they’ve got guys at receiver, guys at tight end. I mean, they’ve got elite players all over the field. These are guys who play a lot of minutes on Sundays, so everything is being done at a high level as far as the run and the pass. So for us, we had to communicate,” Carter said. “Communication is going to be very important, every shift and motion that they make and just getting the ball down (the field). Tackles are going to be very important. I mean, their offense is going to be elite. Yes, and I think you’ll see that when you turn on the tape. So we’ll have to do some questions and Q&A on Saturday.”
As Carter alluded to, the Texans use some pre-snap and post-snap motion to shake off defenses and create explosive plays. One beneficiary of this move is junior receiver Matthew Golden, who leads the team in receiving yards (738) and receiving touchdowns (8). Carter is looking forward to the challenge of the Longhorn movement, which will test Clemson’s eye discipline.
“They definitely spend a lot of time pre-snap and post-snap. So there’s definitely a lot. So it’s going to be tough. You’ve got to put your eyes in the right place (because) there’s a lot of It’s very eye-candy and often misguided. (It means) that you’re only focused on your keys, that you understand your responsibilities, and that you do them to the best of your ability. As long as we execute, we’ll be fine,” Carter said. “But they definitely do a great job of trying to shift the audience’s gaze to one place and then put the ball on the completely opposite side of the field. So it’s definitely going to be a challenge. But… I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be fun.”
In addition to the running back duo and Golden, Texas also has a talented tight end in senior tight end Gunnar Helm. Helm leads the team in receptions (49 yards) and is second in receiving yards (611).
“They have a great plan to allow him to play like that. But he’s also an elite tight end. He’s (arguably) the best we’ve ever played and will continue to play.” He’s one of those players,” Carter said. “So, I’m looking forward to the challenge, the competition. But that’s why I came to a place like Clemson, just to get exposure and play against the top players in the country.”
Some outsiders believe Clemson doesn’t qualify for the playoffs and didn’t expect to see them win the conference. Considering how the Tigers made it to the ACC Championship in the first place, their path is certainly an unlikely one. Now that Clemson has made it this far, Carter wants to show the nation just how great this team is.
“We’re just trying to show that we’re a great team and we can be. But we’re coming into an environment where (everyone) hates us and it’s going to be hostile. I’m excited to step in,” Carter said. “It’s going to be loud. It’s going to be crazy. But (you) come to a place like Clemson and play in these big games and travel to these places and play on a high stage. It’s so exciting. I’m just looking forward to competing.”
