Clemson comes off an open week looking to steady its season, and FCS Charleston Southern gets a shot at a big stage on Military Appreciation Day
CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson had two weeks to think about its last game. Charleston Southern gets three hours to change the conversation.
The Tigers (3-2, 2-1 ACC) host the FCS Buccaneers (3-3) at noon ET on ACC Network, on what Clemson is calling Military Appreciation Day. Clemson's last outing was a 41-13 home loss to No. 3 Miami on Oct. 3, followed by an open week to regroup.
This is just the second meeting between the programs. The first came on Sept. 9, 2023, when Clemson won 66-17 at Memorial Stadium.
Clemson's quarterback picture has been foggy. Tait Reynolds leads the team with 816 passing yards on 83-of-128 passing, with one touchdown and three interceptions. Dabo Swinney said this week that Christopher Vizzina, coming back from an elbow injury, still isn't at 100 percent, and reports haven't agreed on who starts. Whoever takes the snaps will lean on Gideon Davidson, who has 371 rushing yards and four touchdowns, and receiver Bryant Wesco Jr., who has 25 catches for 315 yards. Will Heldt leads the defense with four sacks.
Charleston Southern comes in on a high. The Buccaneers beat South Carolina State 49-39 last Saturday. Hakeem Watters has six rushing touchdowns, and Mekhi Campfield has four touchdown catches on just 15 receptions. Lek Powell has thrown for 552 yards. Steve Zayachkowsky does a bit of everything on defense, leading the team in both tackles (57) and sacks (two).
The gap in tradition is wide. Clemson claims national titles from 1981, 2016 and 2018, and Dabo Swinney is in his 19th season. The playing surface is Frank Howard Field, named for the coach who led the Tigers from 1940 to 1969. Charleston Southern, coached by Gabe Giardina, has three Big South titles, the latest in 2016, when Jamey Chadwell was in charge.
The forecast calls for gusts near 24 mph, which could slow the passing games a little.
For Clemson, this is a chance to get its offense right before Virginia Tech visits next week. For Charleston Southern, it's a chance to measure itself against one of the sport's big names.
Our call: Clemson 49, Charleston Southern 8.