If Georgia Tech is to end its three-game losing streak, it will have to do so against what coach Paul Johnson termed a “very complete team.” The Yellow Jackets may, in fact, be facing the best team they face all season in their trip to play No. 6 Clemson.
Clemson is ranked No. 2 in the Football Outsiders’ Fremeau Efficiency Index behind Alabama. The Tigers have a defense littered with NFL prospects. The Tigers’ defensive efficiency is ranked No. 1 in the country by ESPN.
“They’ve got a bunch of next-level guys,” Johnson said. “They had seven last year that are actively playing in the NFL off that defense and they’ve probably got that many or more this year.”
Johnson was particularly impressed with defensive end Shaq Lawson, who is being touted as a first-round pick.
“He’s big, strong, fast, hard to block and he’s so versatile,” Johnson said. “They drop him in coverage in a bunch of their zone blitzes and match him up man to man with backs out of the backfield.”
Johnson called quarterback Deshaun Watson “a special talent.” Watson has completed 68.7 percent of his passes, 11th in the country, and is also rushing for 46.5 yards per game.
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