Clemson wants to keep Georgia Tech’s offensive problems going.

Clemson Wants to Keep Georgia Tech’s Offensive Problems Going: A Preview of the ACC Showdown

As the 2025 college football season progresses, the Clemson Tigers find themselves on the verge of another crucial contest in their pursuit of ACC supremacy. In one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, Clemson will face off against Georgia Tech, a team struggling with offensive inefficiencies and trying to break out of a midseason slump. Clemson’s defense has been one of the most formidable in the conference, and it seems that the Tigers’ primary goal in this game is clear: continue to capitalize on Georgia Tech’s offensive woes and force the Yellow Jackets into further disarray.

For Georgia Tech, this game is pivotal in determining whether they can right the ship on offense or whether their season will continue its downward trajectory. For Clemson, this game presents an opportunity to assert their dominance in the ACC, further solidifying their status as a national title contender.

This article will break down the key dynamics of this matchup, analyzing Georgia Tech’s offensive struggles, Clemson’s defensive strengths, and how these two factors will intersect to shape the outcome of the game. Additionally, we will look at the broader context of Georgia Tech’s season and what Clemson can do to keep their offensive problems going.

Georgia Tech’s Offensive Struggles: A Closer Look

Georgia Tech entered the 2025 season with high hopes, particularly after making changes to their offensive system and personnel. Head coach Brent Key, who took over the program in recent years, has focused on modernizing the Yellow Jackets’ attack, shifting away from the more traditional triple-option offense that had defined Georgia Tech for decades. However, despite Key’s best efforts to revamp the program, Georgia Tech has found itself mired in offensive struggles that have dampened their overall performance this season.

At the heart of Georgia Tech’s offensive woes is their inability to consistently generate explosive plays. The Yellow Jackets have been hampered by inconsistent quarterback play, a lack of playmakers on the outside, and a running game that has failed to reach the level of effectiveness that many hoped for. These issues have made it difficult for Georgia Tech to sustain drives, score points, and keep up with high-powered offenses in the ACC.

Quarterback Inconsistency

One of the primary reasons for Georgia Tech’s offensive struggles has been their lack of consistency at quarterback. After parting ways with former starter Jeff Sims, Georgia Tech has struggled to find a reliable signal-caller to lead the offense. Various quarterbacks have rotated in and out of the lineup, but none have been able to establish themselves as a consistent force under center.

This inconsistency at the quarterback position has prevented the Yellow Jackets from developing any rhythm in their passing game. The lack of stability has made it difficult to build any chemistry with the wide receivers and has stalled the offense as a whole. The inability to push the ball downfield with any regularity has allowed opposing defenses to focus on the running game, further limiting Georgia Tech’s offensive options.

Lack of Playmaking Threats

Georgia Tech has also struggled to find explosive playmakers on the outside. While the running game has been solid at times, there hasn’t been a consistent threat in the passing game. The team’s wide receivers have failed to create separation against opposing defenders, and the lack of a go-to target has limited the effectiveness of the offense.

With defenses able to focus on stopping the run and neutralizing the occasional deep pass attempt, Georgia Tech has found itself stuck in a rut, unable to generate consistent scoring drives. Without a legitimate deep threat or playmaking receiver, Georgia Tech’s offense has been forced to rely on short, methodical drives that often stall in the red zone or fail to pick up necessary yards on third down.

Inconsistent Running Game

While the Yellow Jackets have been able to produce some positive yardage on the ground, their running game has not been as effective as in years past. Despite having capable backs, the offensive line has struggled to open up holes, and the running backs have been unable to break off many big runs. Against elite defenses, such as Clemson’s, Georgia Tech’s running game has been neutralized, as they have struggled to establish any sort of offensive rhythm.

Against Clemson, a team with one of the best defensive front sevens in the country, Georgia Tech will need to find a way to generate more consistency in the running game to take some of the pressure off the passing attack. If the running game continues to stall, Georgia Tech will find it difficult to keep pace with Clemson’s potent offense.

Clemson’s Defensive Dominance: The Key to the Game

Clemson’s defense has been one of the most suffocating units in the nation. Under defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin, the Tigers have consistently fielded one of the best defenses in college football, and this season has been no different. From their elite defensive line to a secondary that rarely gives up big plays, Clemson has all the tools necessary to continue making life difficult for an offense like Georgia Tech’s.

The Defensive Line: Dominating the Line of Scrimmage

Clemson’s defensive line has long been the cornerstone of their defensive success. Led by star players like Miles Murphy and Tyler Davis, the Tigers have one of the most fearsome front sevens in the country. Clemson’s ability to create pressure with just four rushers allows them to drop back into coverage while still wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

Against Georgia Tech, whose offensive line has been inconsistent at best, Clemson’s defensive line will be looking to overwhelm the Yellow Jackets up front. If the Tigers can generate pressure without having to blitz, they will be able to clog up running lanes and force Georgia Tech’s quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations. Whether it’s stopping the run or forcing errant throws, Clemson’s defensive front is primed to continue its dominance in this matchup.

Linebackers: Versatile and Fast

Clemson’s linebacker corps, led by Trenton Simpson, is one of the most dynamic in college football. Simpson has been excellent this season, demonstrating his ability to cover ground quickly, make tackles in space, and get involved in both pass coverage and run support. His speed and versatility make him a key weapon against a team like Georgia Tech, which is struggling to find consistency in both the passing and running games.

The linebackers’ ability to read the offense, adapt to motion, and stay disciplined will be key in neutralizing Georgia Tech’s inconsistent offense. They’ll need to make sure the Yellow Jackets don’t break any big runs or get open for unexpected passes, particularly on third downs.

Secondary: Tough to Beat Deep

Clemson’s secondary is another strength of their defense. With cornerbacks like Nolan Turner and Kier Thomas, the Tigers have lockdown defenders who can shut down even the best receivers in the country. Georgia Tech has not shown the ability to consistently stretch the field with the passing game, and Clemson’s secondary will likely continue to smother their receivers. Without a clear playmaker on the outside, Georgia Tech will have a difficult time beating Clemson’s defensive backs, especially if they can’t establish a strong running game to open up the passing lanes.

If Clemson can shut down the Georgia Tech passing game and force them to rely exclusively on the run, they’ll have a distinct advantage. The Tigers’ defensive line and linebackers will be able to load the box and stifle Georgia Tech’s running attack, which has been inconsistent all season.

How Clemson Can Keep Georgia Tech’s Offensive Problems Going

Clemson’s path to victory in this game is clear: continue to make life difficult for Georgia Tech’s offense by exploiting their weaknesses. Here are several ways Clemson can keep Georgia Tech’s offensive struggles going:

Pressure the Quarterback

With Georgia Tech’s struggles at quarterback, Clemson needs to continue to apply relentless pressure. Whether it’s from the edge or up the middle, Clemson’s defensive line must keep the pressure on the Yellow Jackets’ quarterbacks. Forcing them into hurried throws or sacking them on critical downs will prevent Georgia Tech from developing any rhythm.

Contain the Running Game

Clemson’s defensive line is well-equipped to shut down Georgia Tech’s running game, which is vital to their offensive success. If the Tigers can stuff the run early, Georgia Tech will be forced to become one-dimensional, making it much easier for the defense to focus on the passing game.

Disrupt the Timing of the Passing Game

With Georgia Tech’s lack of playmaking threats and inconsistent quarterback play, Clemson can dominate in pass coverage. By keeping tight coverage on the Yellow Jackets’ receivers and disrupting the timing of any potential passes, Clemson can force Georgia Tech into turnovers or incomplete passes, further frustrating their offense.

Capitalize on Offensive Opportunities

While the game will likely be dominated by Clemson’s defense, their offense must also capitalize on the opportunities created by turnovers or short-field situations. If the Tigers can put up points early and build a lead, it will force Georgia Tech into a more one-dimensional offense, increasing the likelihood of turnovers and mistakes.