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WATCH: Clemson drops hype video for huge showdown vs. Wake Forest

photos -jpgby: Ashton Pollard11/19/21ashtonpollard7
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James Skalski spent six seasons at Clemson. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

Wake Forest and Clemson play every year, but the 2021 matchup has very different implications than recent meetings.

The No. 10 Demon Deacons are 9-1 and looking to clinch a spot in the ACC title game. Clemson, who is 6-3 on the year, still finds itself outside of the College Football Playoff rankings entirely and is looking to play spoiler and demonstrate they are still fighting despite a disappointing season.

On Friday, Clemson released a hype video ahead of the matchup.

The piece, narrated by sixth-year senior James Skalski, features some of the best moments from Clemson football and focuses on the outside disrespect the Tigers have been getting as a result of their shaky play this year. 

Skalski and Co. versus Hartman

Put simply, this game will come down to a battle between Clemson’s elite defense and Wake Forest’s high-octane offense led by quarterback Sam Hartman. 

The Demon Deacons have the highest-scoring offense in the ACC, posting 44.7 points each week. Unfortunately for head coach Dave Clawson, Wake Forest has injury concerns, as the status of two of their starters at skill positions is unknown. Running back Christian Beal-Smith did not play against NC State last weekend because of a foot injury, and starting receiver Jaquarri Roberson was knocked out of the game early. 

In total, Wake Forest has yet to be held under 35 points in a game, although they have yet to face a defense of Clemson’s caliber. Clemson is allowing just 15.3 points per game, which is third in the nation. Connecticut has one of the worst offenses in the country, but it is impressive any time a defense holds any team under 100 yards of total offense. The Huskies had 99 yards and just six first downs last week against the Tigers.

Wake Forest will provide a much bigger challenge, and the Tigers will have to keep up with the fast-paced offense to avoid giving up game-changing big plays. 

The good news for Clemson on the other side of the ball? Wake Forest’s defense is terrible. The Demon Deacons rank very low in nearly every defensive advanced statistic, with several teams below .500 ranked ahead of them according to Football Outsiders. Clemson has struggled to post points against subpar defenses, but they have a major talent advantage on offense against a team that plays man defense. 

Clemson holds the lead all-time against their ACC Atlantic Division opponent 68-17-1. The Tigers have won the last 12 meetings, and the Demon Deacons have not won in Death Valley since 1998. 

Clemson is a 4.5-point home favorite, and the game kicks off at noon ET on ESPN.