Breaking Down the Matchup From Offense to Defense, Special Teams and Everything in Between
Game: Clemson Tigers vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. ET
Location: Memorial Stadium — Clemson, South Carolina
Television: The CW
Two ACC programs are preparing for an important November matchup, and the statistical differences between Clemson and Georgia Tech tell an interesting story.
Clemson enters this game looking to build momentum, improve its conference standing and demonstrate that its offense can become more consistent. Georgia Tech arrives with offensive playmakers but significant defensive concerns.
When you look at the numbers, several things stand out. Clemson has a considerable advantage in total defense, rushing defense and field-goal production. Georgia Tech has been more productive throwing the football, but its inability to consistently stop opposing offenses has become a major problem.
This is a matchup Clemson should be capable of winning. However, the Tigers must execute, protect the football and take advantage of the weaknesses Georgia Tech has demonstrated throughout the season.
Let’s break it all down.
1. THE OVERALL STATISTICAL COMPARISON
Through nine games, Clemson and Georgia Tech have demonstrated two considerably different identities.
CLEMSON
- Overall record: 6-3
- Points per game: 22.7
- Total offense: 338.0 yards per game
- Passing offense: 184.9 yards per game
- Rushing offense: 153.1 yards per game
- Total defense: 334.9 yards allowed per game
- Scoring defense: 20.7 points allowed per game
GEORGIA TECH
- Overall record: 2-7
- Points per game: 23.9
- Total offense: 359.9 yards per game
- Passing offense: 241.2 yards per game
- Rushing offense: 118.7 yards per game
- Total defense: 418.9 yards allowed per game
- Scoring defense: 32.2 points allowed per game
THE TAKEAWAY
Clemson averages approximately 84 fewer yards allowed per game than Georgia Tech.
That is a significant defensive difference.
Georgia Tech has been more productive through the air, but Clemson has been considerably more effective defensively, particularly against the run.
The Tigers must take advantage of that difference.
2. CLEMSON OFFENSE VS. GEORGIA TECH DEFENSE
Advantage: Clemson, particularly in the running game.
This could be the most important matchup of the afternoon.
Clemson’s offense has struggled with consistency throughout the season. The Tigers have not consistently converted third downs, generated explosive passing plays or finished drives with touchdowns.
However, Georgia Tech’s defense has struggled even more.
CLEMSON OFFENSIVE STATISTICS
- Total offense: 338.0 yards per game
- National total-offense ranking: 115th
- Passing offense: 184.9 yards per game
- National passing ranking: 116th
- Rushing offense: 153.1 yards per game
- National rushing ranking: 71st
- Scoring offense: 22.7 points per game
- Third-down conversion rate: 29.9%
Those numbers tell us that Clemson has considerable room for improvement.
A third-down conversion rate of 29.9% is particularly concerning. The Tigers have struggled to sustain drives and keep their defense off the field.
The passing game also needs to become more productive.
TAIT REYNOLDS AND THE QUARTERBACK POSITION
Tait Reynolds has continued developing as Clemson’s quarterback.
His statistical production entering this matchup:
- Passing yards: 1,446
- Passing touchdowns: 3
- Interceptions: 4
- Completion percentage: 64.6%
Reynolds also provides a rushing dimension that Clemson needs to utilize.
His mobility gives the Tigers another option when the pocket breaks down and creates opportunities for designed quarterback runs.
The key is finding consistency. Clemson needs Reynolds to make good decisions, protect the football and capitalize on opportunities downfield.
THE CLEMSON RUNNING GAME
Gideon Davidson has been an important contributor, leading Clemson in rushing production with 528 yards and five touchdowns.
Jarvis Green also demonstrated his ability to make plays, rushing for 85 yards against Syracuse.
Clemson needs to establish the running game early against Georgia Tech.
GEORGIA TECH DEFENSIVE STATISTICS
- Total defense: 418.9 yards allowed per game
- National total-defense ranking: 124th
- Passing defense: 196.1 yards allowed per game
- National passing-defense ranking: 46th
- Rushing defense: 222.8 yards allowed per game
- National rushing-defense ranking: 136th
- Scoring defense: 32.2 points allowed per game
- Third-down defense: 40.7%
There is the opportunity.
Georgia Tech has struggled tremendously against the run, allowing nearly 223 rushing yards per game.
Clemson averages 153.1 rushing yards per game.
The Tigers need to attack that weakness.
Establish the run, make Georgia Tech commit additional defenders to the box, utilize Reynolds’ mobility and create opportunities for the receivers downfield.
Clemson cannot afford to become one-dimensional.
The Tigers need to control the line of scrimmage and make Georgia Tech defend the entire field.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Clemson has an opportunity to exploit one of Georgia Tech’s biggest defensive weaknesses. The offensive line must win its matchups, and Clemson needs to turn rushing production into points.
3. GEORGIA TECH OFFENSE VS. CLEMSON DEFENSE
Advantage: Clemson.
This is where the Tigers should feel particularly confident.
Georgia Tech has been more productive throwing the football than running it. The Yellow Jackets average 241.2 passing yards per game but only 118.7 rushing yards.
Clemson’s defensive statistics suggest the Tigers should be able to make things difficult.
GEORGIA TECH OFFENSIVE STATISTICS
- Total offense: 359.9 yards per game
- Passing offense: 241.2 yards per game
- Rushing offense: 118.7 yards per game
- Scoring offense: 23.9 points per game
ALBERTO MENDOZA
Mendoza has been the primary passing threat for Georgia Tech.
His production entering the Clemson game:
- Passing yards: 1,943
- Passing touchdowns: 11
- Interceptions: 6
- Completion percentage: 68.7%
Mendoza has demonstrated the ability to move the football through the air.
Clemson cannot allow him to settle comfortably in the pocket.
GEORGIA TECH RUNNING GAME
Justice Haynes leads the Yellow Jackets with:
- Rushing yards: 635
- Carries: 124
- Rushing touchdowns: 4
Haynes is an important component of Georgia Tech’s offense, but the overall rushing production has been inconsistent.
Clemson needs to make the Yellow Jackets earn every yard on the ground.
CLEMSON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS
- Total defense: 334.9 yards allowed per game
- National total-defense ranking: 41st
- Passing defense: 212.6 yards allowed per game
- National passing-defense ranking: 62nd
- Rushing defense: 122.3 yards allowed per game
- National rushing-defense ranking: 36th
- Scoring defense: 20.7 points allowed per game
- Third-down defense: 31.7%
Those are considerably stronger numbers.
Clemson’s defense has been the more dependable unit throughout the season.
The defensive front has generated pressure, the linebackers have been important in controlling the running game, and the secondary has demonstrated the ability to make plays.
THE DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD
Elliott Washington Jr. and Ashton Hampton have been important pieces of Clemson’s defensive backfield.
Their coverage, ball skills and ability to disrupt opposing passing attacks will be important against Mendoza and Georgia Tech’s receiving corps.
The Tigers cannot afford to give Georgia Tech easy completions or allow receivers to create yards after the catch.
THREE DEFENSIVE PRIORITIES FOR CLEMSON
- Pressure Mendoza. Make him uncomfortable and prevent him from working through his progressions.
- Eliminate explosive passing plays. Georgia Tech’s passing game is its biggest offensive strength.
- Win first down. Force the Yellow Jackets into third-and-long situations and give the defensive front opportunities to attack.
If Clemson can accomplish those three things, the defensive matchup strongly favors the Tigers.
4. THIRD-DOWN EFFICIENCY: A MAJOR DIFFERENCE
Third-down efficiency is one of the most important statistics in football.
It determines whether offenses sustain drives and whether defenses can get off the field.
CLEMSON OFFENSE
- Third-down conversion rate: 29.9%
- National ranking: 135th
GEORGIA TECH OFFENSE
- Third-down conversion rate: Approximately 29.6%
CLEMSON DEFENSE
- Opponent third-down conversion rate: 31.7%
- National ranking: 21st
GEORGIA TECH DEFENSE
- Opponent third-down conversion rate: 40.7%
- National ranking: 95th
The difference on the defensive side is significant.
Clemson has been much better at getting opponents off the field.
Both offenses have struggled to sustain drives, but Clemson’s defense has been considerably more successful at creating third-down stops.
This is an area where Clemson needs to establish control.
If the Tigers can force Georgia Tech into third-and-seven, third-and-eight and third-and-long situations, they can put Mendoza under pressure.
On the other side, Clemson’s offense must find a way to improve its own third-down production.
The Tigers cannot continually face third-and-long situations and expect to move the football consistently.
5. RED-ZONE EFFICIENCY: CLEMSON MUST SCORE TOUCHDOWNS
One of Clemson’s biggest offensive concerns has been finishing drives.
The Tigers have been able to move the football at times, but translating those opportunities into touchdowns has been a different story.
CLEMSON RED-ZONE PRODUCTION
- Red-zone scoring percentage: Approximately 87%
- Red-zone scoring opportunities: 30
- Successful scoring possessions: 26
- Red-zone touchdowns: 11
Clemson has been effective at getting points out of its red-zone opportunities, but the number of touchdowns is concerning.
The Tigers have depended heavily on Nolan Hauser.
Hauser has been outstanding, but Clemson cannot continue relying on field goals to win every game.
Against Georgia Tech, the Tigers need to be more aggressive inside the 20-yard line.
Run the football. Utilize Reynolds’ mobility. Create opportunities for the tight ends and receivers.
The goal must be touchdowns.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Clemson’s offense needs to finish drives. Field goals are valuable, but touchdowns change football games.
6. TURNOVERS: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CLEMSON
Turnovers can completely change the complexion of a game.
Georgia Tech enters this matchup with a minus-five turnover margin, while Clemson has been approximately even.
GEORGIA TECH
- Turnover margin: -5
- National ranking: 114th
CLEMSON
- Turnover margin: Approximately even
Georgia Tech has struggled to win the turnover battle.
Clemson needs to take advantage.
That means attacking the football, getting pressure on Mendoza, forcing difficult throws and creating opportunities for interceptions.
The Tigers must also protect the football themselves.
Clemson has already surrendered 13 turnovers this season.
A mistake inside Clemson territory could give Georgia Tech an opportunity to score without having to drive the length of the field.
Winning the turnover battle should be one of Clemson’s priorities.
7. SPECIAL TEAMS: NOLAN HAUSER IS A MAJOR ADVANTAGE
Advantage: Clemson.
If there is one area where Clemson has demonstrated outstanding consistency, it is placekicking.
Nolan Hauser has been one of the Tigers’ most dependable players this season.
CLEMSON FIELD-GOAL PRODUCTION
- Field goals made: 27
- Field goals attempted: 29
- Conversion percentage: 93.1%
Hauser has converted 27 of 29 attempts.
He also tied Clemson’s single-season school record with his 27th field goal against Syracuse.
He is approaching the FBS single-season record of 31 field goals.
That is an outstanding accomplishment.
When Clemson gets into scoring range, the Tigers have confidence that Hauser can finish the drive with points.
GEORGIA TECH FIELD-GOAL PRODUCTION
- Field goals made: 11
- Field goals attempted: 14
- Conversion percentage: 78.6%
Georgia Tech has a capable kicker, but Clemson has the statistical advantage.
PUNTING
Clemson averages approximately 40 yards per punt, while Georgia Tech averages approximately 42.7 yards.
Net punting averages are nearly identical, with Clemson at approximately 37.6 yards and Georgia Tech at 37.2.
Field position could become important if the game develops into a defensive struggle.
KICKOFF AND PUNT RETURNS
Georgia Tech has demonstrated dangerous return ability.
The Yellow Jackets have produced both a kickoff return touchdown and a punt return touchdown.
Clemson also has a punt return touchdown this season.
The Tigers must be disciplined in their coverage assignments and cannot afford to give Georgia Tech an easy scoring opportunity.
THE SPECIAL-TEAMS TAKEAWAY: Clemson has the more productive placekicker, but Georgia Tech has demonstrated explosive return potential. Coverage discipline will be important.
8. THE QUARTERBACK MATCHUP: TAIT REYNOLDS VS. ALBERTO MENDOZA
This is an interesting contrast between two quarterbacks.
TAIT REYNOLDS — CLEMSON
- Passing yards: 1,446
- Passing touchdowns: 3
- Interceptions: 4
- Completion percentage: 64.6%
ALBERTO MENDOZA — GEORGIA TECH
- Passing yards: 1,943
- Passing touchdowns: 11
- Interceptions: 6
- Completion percentage: 68.7%
Mendoza has the statistical advantage as a passer.
He has thrown for nearly 500 more yards and eight more touchdowns.
However, Reynolds provides Clemson with an additional rushing dimension.
Against Syracuse, Reynolds completed 17 of 28 passes for 161 yards and rushed for 61 yards on 15 carries.
His mobility gives Clemson another offensive weapon.
The key is consistency.
Reynolds needs to protect the football, make smart decisions and take advantage of opportunities when Georgia Tech’s defense brings additional pressure.
Mendoza will face a Clemson defense capable of creating pressure and disrupting passing lanes.
The quarterback who makes the most important plays, protects the football and converts third downs could ultimately determine the outcome.
9. WHAT THE LAST GAME TELLS US
Recent performances provide another important perspective.
CLEMSON 18, SYRACUSE 13
Clemson found a way to win a defensive battle.
Some important performances included:
- 359 total offensive yards.
- 161 passing yards from Tait Reynolds.
- 85 rushing yards from Jarvis Green.
- 100 receiving yards from Bryant Wesco Jr.
- Four field goals from Nolan Hauser.
- A defensive touchdown from Jahiem Lawson.
Clemson won without scoring an offensive touchdown.
That is an important storyline heading into Georgia Tech.
The Tigers demonstrated they could win a close game, but the offense must become more productive.
GEORGIA TECH 17, LOUISVILLE 44
Georgia Tech struggled against Louisville.
Some important numbers:
- 350 total offensive yards.
- 241 passing yards.
- 109 rushing yards.
- Four conversions on 17 third-down attempts.
- Three conversions on seven fourth-down attempts.
- 251 rushing yards allowed to Louisville.
Louisville had considerable success running the football against Georgia Tech.
That should get Clemson’s attention.
The Tigers have an opportunity to attack the same weakness.
Clemson needs to establish the ground game and force Georgia Tech to demonstrate that it can stop the run.
10. THE BIGGER STORYLINES
DABO SWINNEY’S 250TH GAME
Saturday represents a significant milestone for Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney.
It will be his 250th game as Clemson’s head coach.
There is also an interesting historical connection.
Georgia Tech was Swinney’s opponent in his first game as Clemson’s interim head coach on October 18, 2008.
More than 18 years later, the Yellow Jackets return to Death Valley for another important milestone.
Swinney enters the game with 193 career victories.
That is an extraordinary accomplishment and another reminder of his longevity and success at Clemson.
CLEMSON’S OFFENSE NEEDS TO FIND ITS IDENTITY
The Tigers are 6-3 and bowl eligible, but there are still questions surrounding the offense.
A 29.9% third-down conversion rate and 22.7 points per game are not what Clemson expects.
The defense and special teams have carried considerable responsibility.
The offense needs to become more consistent.
Georgia Tech provides an opportunity to make that happen.
GEORGIA TECH’S DEFENSIVE STRUGGLES
The Yellow Jackets enter at 2-7 overall and 1-5 in ACC play.
Allowing 418.9 yards and 32.2 points per game is a significant problem.
Georgia Tech has offensive weapons, but the defense has made it difficult for the Yellow Jackets to compete consistently.
Clemson needs to exploit those weaknesses.
ACC IMPLICATIONS
Clemson still has an opportunity to improve its conference standing.
Every remaining conference game matters, and the Tigers cannot afford to overlook an opponent simply because of its record.
A victory would provide additional momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
A loss would be a significant setback.
11. FIVE MATCHUPS THAT COULD DECIDE THE GAME
1. CLEMSON’S OFFENSIVE LINE VS. GEORGIA TECH’S DEFENSIVE FRONT
Clemson needs to control the line of scrimmage.
The Yellow Jackets have struggled against the run, and the Tigers must take advantage.
2. CLEMSON’S DEFENSIVE FRONT VS. ALBERTO MENDOZA
Pressure is essential.
Make Mendoza uncomfortable, disrupt his timing and force him into difficult decisions.
3. CLEMSON’S DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD VS. GEORGIA TECH’S RECEIVERS
Elliott Washington Jr. and Ashton Hampton will have important assignments.
Clemson cannot allow Georgia Tech to generate explosive passing plays.
4. TAIT REYNOLDS AND THE THIRD-DOWN OFFENSE
Clemson must improve its third-down production.
The Tigers need manageable situations, better protection and more consistent execution.
5. SPECIAL TEAMS AND FIELD POSITION
Nolan Hauser gives Clemson an outstanding weapon.
But the Tigers must also prevent Georgia Tech from generating explosive kickoff and punt returns.
12. THE CSN GAME PREDICTION
When you put all the numbers together, Clemson has several statistical advantages.
The Tigers have the better defense, a more productive rushing attack, a stronger placekicking unit and a better third-down defense.
Georgia Tech has demonstrated that it can throw the football, but the Yellow Jackets have struggled to run consistently and have had considerable difficulty stopping opposing offenses.
The biggest concern for Clemson is its own offensive inconsistency.
The Tigers cannot afford to waste scoring opportunities, settle for field goals on every possession or turn the football over.
If Clemson establishes the running game, protects Reynolds and allows its defense to dictate the pace, the Tigers should be in a strong position.
MY PREDICTION: CLEMSON 31, GEORGIA TECH 17.
I believe Clemson’s defense will be the difference.
The Tigers will create pressure, force Georgia Tech into difficult situations and find enough offensive production to secure an important ACC victory.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This is a game Clemson should win.
The statistical advantages are there. The defensive matchup favors the Tigers. Georgia Tech has struggled against the run, and Clemson has an opportunity to exploit that weakness.
But Clemson must play a complete football game.
The offense needs to produce touchdowns. The defense needs to pressure Mendoza. Special teams must maintain discipline, and the Tigers must win the turnover battle.
Clemson has three regular-season games remaining, and every opportunity matters.
The expectations are still high in Death Valley.
It’s time for Clemson to put the numbers together, execute for four quarters and take care of business.
GO TIGERS!
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