There's no doubt in my mind that Clemson will run away with this game, but I don't expect coach Dabo Swinney to come out and empty the tank early. He knows that quarterback DJ Uaigaleiei was inconsistent last year, so I expect him to get him comfortable with some short passes, rely on the running game and get him into the flow slowly. At the same time, I don't think the Yellow Jackets have much of a chance to score against the Clemson front seven. Once the game gets out of hand, the Tigers will drain the clock and keep this a relatively low-scoring affair.

Last season, Georgia Tech outgained Clemson 298-284 in a respectable 14-8 loss but that Tech defensive and offensive line is gone. Only one starting offensive lineman returns, a sophomore, and the rest are inexperienced. The defensive line is all new starters. Clemson’s best attribute is four returning starters on the offensive line and three of four starters returning on the defensive line. Clemson should run the ball extremely well Monday and control the clock. Take the Under as the top play.

Clemson used to cover such massive numbers with relative ease, but all that changed last year, when its struggles on offense led to just two ACC victories by double figures. One of its many close conference battles was a 14-8 win over a stubborn Georgia Tech club. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei experienced a sophomore slump, but the Tigers should show improved offensive production. The question is whether the Yellow Jackets can produce enough offense against Clemson's air-tight defense. Quarterback Jeff Sims is a dynamic playmaker but they might not have much to go with him. Even so, if Tech reaches double figures it should cover, and expect the Jackets to have some fight in this national showcase game.