The Clemson Tigers are back in the top 25 rankings and they are hoping a return of their freshman quarterback will boost the team in the last month of the season. Cole Stoudt was benched after he struggled in the overtime loss to Florida State. However, Deshaun Watson went in and then left with a broken finger in October. The Tigers were not certain he would return this early but remain hopeful he is under center as they face off against Wake Forest in an ACC matchup.
The Tigers continued to win without their freshman star so the urgency is not there until the Tigers face off against Georgia Tech in the following week. Watson has completed 67.0 percent of his passes for 1,176 yards and 12 touchdowns since getting inserted as starter, but putting Stoudt back in his place got Clemson 33 points in the past two games. The senior has struggled, his passes averaged five yards less than Watson's. He also has one touchdown and three interceptions in that time.
The Tigers are surviving off their defense. The unit ranks second in the nation in average yards allowed (268.6) and 10th in points allowed (18.3). Over the past four games, they have allowed just 36 points which is helping balance out the struggling offense. They should do well against a Wake Forest team that is just 2-6, having lost the last five matchups to Clemson. The Tigers are averaging 39.4 points against the Demon Deacons and this year should be no different.
Wake Forest's offense is struggling. The team ranks last in total offense and rushing while being 122nd in scoring. They are averaging just 14.8 points per game. They are coming off a loss to Boston College where they managed to bounce back from a 17-0 hole, but still failed to get the win. Quarterback John Wolford has just one touchdown and six interceptions in his last four games while getting sacked 29 times in the season.
