The Clemson Tigers gameplan for defeating the Georgia Tech Yelow Jackets this weekend is a simple one - stop number 21. Stop Calvin Johnson. But executing that plan won?t be easy.
The good news for Clemson fans? The Tigers lead the ACC in pass defense (giving up only 164.3 yards per game). The bad news? At 6-5, 235 pounds with 4.32 speed and a 45-inch vertical, Johnson is a matchup nightmare. At times, watching Clemson try to defend Johnson will be like watching Earl Boykins man-up on Shaquille O'Neal.
All the NCAA props for this week's games are going up in the Bodog Sportsbook! Get your NCAA props right here!
This season Johnson has dominated opponents, hauling in 35 receptions for 559 yards and eight touchdowns (tops in the ACC), with most of his production coming over the past three games. He burned Virginia for 165 yards and two touchdowns on five catches, posted 115 yards and two touchdowns against Virginia Tech and jumped over Maryland for 133 yards and a score. Those big numbers have given him some early Heisman buzz, and has made him the target of every corner looking to improve his draft stock.
This won't be the first time the Tigers face off with the All-Conference receiver - Clemson has both shutdown and been shut up by Johnson in the past. He had his first "force to be reckoned with" game against the Tigers in 2004, grabbing eight passes for 127 yards and three touchdowns, including a game-winning catch in the end zone with 11 seconds remaining.
All the NCAA lines for this weekend's matchups have been posted in the Bodog Sportsbook! Bet on NCAA odds right here!
But in 2005, Clemson's physical double-teaming locked Johnson down. While the Jackets ended up winning the game 10-9, Johnson was held to four catches for 46 yards, his fourth-lowest output of the season.
Another showing like 2005 will be the key to a Clemson victory. The Yellow Jackets are 3-1 against the spread when Johnson tops 100 yards.
Who will win the 2006-2007 BCS Championship? Get your odds for the BCS title here!
The good news for Clemson fans? The Tigers lead the ACC in pass defense (giving up only 164.3 yards per game). The bad news? At 6-5, 235 pounds with 4.32 speed and a 45-inch vertical, Johnson is a matchup nightmare. At times, watching Clemson try to defend Johnson will be like watching Earl Boykins man-up on Shaquille O'Neal.
All the NCAA props for this week's games are going up in the Bodog Sportsbook! Get your NCAA props right here!
This season Johnson has dominated opponents, hauling in 35 receptions for 559 yards and eight touchdowns (tops in the ACC), with most of his production coming over the past three games. He burned Virginia for 165 yards and two touchdowns on five catches, posted 115 yards and two touchdowns against Virginia Tech and jumped over Maryland for 133 yards and a score. Those big numbers have given him some early Heisman buzz, and has made him the target of every corner looking to improve his draft stock.
This won't be the first time the Tigers face off with the All-Conference receiver - Clemson has both shutdown and been shut up by Johnson in the past. He had his first "force to be reckoned with" game against the Tigers in 2004, grabbing eight passes for 127 yards and three touchdowns, including a game-winning catch in the end zone with 11 seconds remaining.
All the NCAA lines for this weekend's matchups have been posted in the Bodog Sportsbook! Bet on NCAA odds right here!
But in 2005, Clemson's physical double-teaming locked Johnson down. While the Jackets ended up winning the game 10-9, Johnson was held to four catches for 46 yards, his fourth-lowest output of the season.
Another showing like 2005 will be the key to a Clemson victory. The Yellow Jackets are 3-1 against the spread when Johnson tops 100 yards.
Who will win the 2006-2007 BCS Championship? Get your odds for the BCS title here!
