Clemson-Furman Prediction
By: Neil Burnett
The Clemson Tigers host instate FCS foe Furman Paladins. The outcome of the game is not in question, but what will the final score be.
Furman is coming off a first week win, 52-0, over North Greenville, The Paladins jumped down NG’s business quickly, leading 45-0 at halftime. Senior quarterback Tyler Huff completed 10-12 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns before exiting the game. He also rushed five times for 94 yards and another touchdown.
Freshman RB Myion Ricks was the second leading rusher last week, getting 12 carries for 65 yards. Dominic Roberto added nine rushes for 53 yards and two touchdowns. Overall, the Paladins rushed for 323 yards and passed for 266 yards. Don’t bet the house on this offense getting close to those numbers.
Defensively, the Paladins allowed only 227 total yards last week, and 11 first downs, but did allow 7 of 16 3rd down conversions. Of course, we are talking about North Greenville, which is barely a step above 5-A high school football. No offense to Furman, of course.
The Paladins do not appear to lack confidence. Furman Head Coach Clay Hendrix told the media earlier this week that Furman “had a chance but they have to play exceptionally well.” I’m not sure who he is really talking about.
This may not be fair, but let’s just say that Furman’s football recruiting rankings the last four years is 184 (2019), 162 (2020), 249 (2021) and 199 (2022). This translates to a HUGE talent difference and it will show early and often.
As much as people would love to see Cade Klubnik start at quarterback, expect DJ Uiagalelei to remain the starter, and look for him to come out firing to develop much needed chemistry. The offensive line will have it’s way early and expect the running game to reel off big chunks.
The halftime score should/could be in the range of 35-3. What’s bad for Furman is having to deal with Klubnik and Dominique “Quadzilla” Thomas in the 2nd half. We could see 300+ rushing and passing by the end of the day, and a very lopsided score.
The defense will make life miserable for the Paladins, and everyone wearing a Clemson uniform should get into the game. If this prediction sounds like the Tigers are playing a cupcake, well, they are. Clemson rolls for the 2nd straight week, winning 55-6.
(In case people forget, my prediction last week was 41-10 over GT. Just a reminder.)
Gary McDaniel (Publisher/Analyst) : Clemson will empty the bench and we will see the Tigers in what looks per the forecast to be a wet playing surface on Saturday… Dabo Swinney will get to see his QB’s open up the passing game… as I fully expect the Tigers’ take to the air regardless of the moisture in the air. The Tigers offense will get to play bully on the line as they overmatch skill wise but even more so physically with the Paladins. The Defense will build off last weeks effort against a feisty GT squad and the fellas on the defensive front will impose their will on the fellas from Furman. Clemson in a rain soaked Death Valley with all the “bells and whistles” does as expected and dispatches the Paladins with ease
Tigers 49- Paladins 7.
Grayson Mann (Staff Writer) This is a great week for Clemson fans to see what goes beyond the eleven starters on either side of the ball. DJ and company polish the passing game putting up 35 in the first half. Cade gets some good drives in to start the second half as the entire Clemson roster gets valuable experience. Clemson 49 Furman 3
Josh Starnes ( I Bleed Orange/CSN Marketing Director) Our defense is just to good for Furman..And our offense will get the job done.
Tigers 59-Paladins -3
Jeff Bennett (The Poundcake Man/CSN Sponsor). Tigers 49 Paladins 7
Donnie Richards (Arden’s Burgers/CSN Sponsor) Clemson 56 Furman 7
