Clemson Tigers vs. Stanford Cardinal: 2024 Game Preview
Date: September 28, 2024
Location: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET
Broadcast: ESPN
Team Overview
Clemson Tigers (2-1, 1-0 ACC)
• Points per Game: 42.7
• Points Allowed per Game: 29.7
◦ Key Players:
◦ Cade Klubnik (QB): 729 passing yards, 8 TDs, 1 INT; 58 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs
◦ Phil Mafah (RB): 284 rushing yards, 2 TDs
◦ Antonio Williams (WR): 159 receiving yards, 3 TDs
◦ T.J. Parker (DL): 9 tackles, 2 sacks
Stanford Cardinal (2-1, 1-0 ACC)
• Points per Game: 31.3
• Points Allowed per Game: 21.7
◦ Key Players:
◦ Ashton Daniels (QB): 562 passing yards, 4 TDs, 3 INTs; 165 rushing yards
◦ Elic Ayomanor (WR): 234 receiving yards, 1 TD
◦ Chris Davis Jr. (RB): 79 rushing yards
Offense vs. Defense Analysis
Clemson Offense vs. Stanford Defense
Clemson’s offense has been on fire, averaging 617.5 total yards in their last two games. Cade Klubnik has been a revelation, accounting for 11 touchdowns in the past two games . Stanford’s defense, ranked 85th in SP+, has struggled, particularly against the pass, allowing 298.7 passing yards per game. This mismatch suggests Clemson’s high-powered offense will have a significant advantage. Stanford Offense vs. Clemson Defense Stanford’s offense, led by Ashton Daniels, has been competent, averaging 26.5 points per game in their two Power 4 matchups. However, Clemson’s defense, while not elite, has shown the ability to create turnovers, with six forced so far this season. The key for Stanford will be protecting the ball and finding ways to exploit Clemson’s secondary.
Quotes from Analysts, Media, Coaches, and Players
Dabo Swinney (Clemson Head Coach):
“I see us continuing to build momentum and momentum is a powerful thing” (https://www.covers.com/ncaaf/stanford-vs-clemson-odds-picks-predictions-9-28-2024)3 (https://www.bigal.com/articles/stanford-cardinal-vs-clemson-tigers-prediction-picks-and-game-preview-09-28-2024)
.
Troy Taylor (Stanford Head Coach):
“The defense has been much more aggressive the last two weeks” (https://www.covers.com/ncaaf/stanford-vs-clemson-odds-picks-predictions-9-28-2024)3 (https://www.bigal.com/articles/stanford-cardinal-vs-clemson-tigers-prediction-picks-and-game-preview-09-28-2024)
.
Cade Klubnik (Clemson QB):
“We’re just focused on executing our game plan and taking it one play at a time” (https://www.covers.com/ncaaf/stanford-vs-clemson-odds-picks-predictions-9-28-2024)4 (https://247sports.com/college/clemson/article/quotes-of-the-week-from-clemson-football-what-the-tigers-said-leading-up-to-stanford-236942613/)
.
Elic Ayomanor (Stanford WR):
“We know it’s a tough environment, but we’re ready to compete and show what we can do” (https://www.covers.com/ncaaf/stanford-vs-clemson-odds-picks-predictions-9-28-2024)4 (https://247sports.com/college/clemson/article/quotes-of-the-week-from-clemson-football-what-the-tigers-said-leading-up-to-stanford-236942613/)
.
Final Prediction
Given Clemson’s explosive offense and Stanford’s defensive struggles, the Tigers are expected to dominate this matchup. The prediction is a Clemson victory, 42-17.
