Coastal Carolina vs. Clemson

When Coastal Carolina has ball

The Chanticleers’ offense has struggled mightily; in last week’s 16-10 loss at Stony Brook, Coastal put up only 177 yards (a week after getting 175 in a 58-13 loss to Liberty), averaging only 2.7 yards per play and converting just four of 16 third downs. Starting quarterback Zack MacDowall is questionable with an ankle injury; he’s thrown for four touchdowns against six interceptions this season. Backup Jamie Childers, who led Coastal to a score following MacDowall’s injury last week, has two touchdowns against five interceptions. Tailback Eric O’Neal averages 52 yards per game, and top target Brandon Whitley has 20 catches for 313 yards and two scores. Clemson’s defense will be out to right itself after giving up 37 points to Miami, including eight plays of 20-plus yards. This won’t be nearly as difficult an assignment.

Edge: Clemson

When Clemson has ball

Clemson’s offense has found its groove. It headed into the open date moribund, with two offensive touchdowns in 13 quarters. Since then, the Tigers have averaged 39 points per game in wins over Wake Forest and No.8 Miami, and executed well in the red zone, scoring eight touchdowns inside the 20 after doing so just three times in the first five games. Tailback C.J. Spiller has re-emerged as a Heisman candidate following a school-record 310-yard all-purpose effort at Miami, and the tight ends have become a major offensive force; Michael Palmer (who is doubtful today with a concussion) and Dwayne Allen combined for 110 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions. If everything goes as planned today, there should be plenty of offensive opportunity for everyone on the roster.

Edge: Clemson

Special teams

Why does anyone kick to C.J. Spiller? Miami dared again last week and got burned with a 90-yard touchdown return. Spiller is tied for the all-time ACC lead with six career kick return scores, and Jacoby Ford is just as dangerous. Kicker Richard Jackson recovered from an early miss to make two crucial field goals against the ‘Canes, including one that sent the game into overtime. And Dawson Zimmerman shook some recently struggles by averaging 45.6 yards on three punts. Coastal’s Justin Durham has made nine of 12 field goals but had two hit the uprights last week. Punter Ben Erdman averages 33.3 yards per boot and had a crucial turnover last week.

Edge: Clemson

The bottom line

ACC teams have had trouble with FCS foes this year; Duke lost to Richmond, Virginia lost to William & Mary, Maryland was lucky to escape James Madison in overtime and Jacksonville State led Florida State deep into the fourth quarter. But there’s one difference; most of those teams were elite FCS teams. Coastal, um, is not. The Chants are 3-4, coming off losses to Stony Brook and a 58-13 bashing at Liberty.

Prediction: Clemson 54, Coastal Carolina 10