South Carolina State @ Clemson preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 20, 2008 ) South Carolina State 0, Clemson 54

Seven days after posting one of its biggest victories in recent memory, Clemson hopes to avoid a letdown against visiting South Carolina State on Saturday. The Tigers moved up to fifth in the national poll after edging previously No. 5 Georgia 38-35 in a Week 1 thriller. Tajh Boyd threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more scores in a win that “turned a lot of heads in college football,” according to the senior quarterback.

As Boyd continues his early-season push for Heisman Trophy consideration, the matchup with FCS foe South Carolina State presents an opportunity to rack up some impressive stats. The Bulldogs faced two FBS programs in 2012, losing to Arizona and Texas A&M by a combined margin of 126-14. In their 2013 season opener, South Carolina State held a slim halftime lead before falling to Coastal Carolina 27-20.

TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: Clemson -52.5.

ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA STATE (0-1): The Bulldogs’ quarterback is senior Richard Cue, who edged sophomore TeDarrius Wiley in a preseason QB competition. Cue threw a touchdown and ran for another against Coastal Carolina, but the Bulldogs were doomed by a blocked field goal that the Chanticleers returned for a touchdown. Senior wide receiver Tyler McDonald (four catches, 108 yards) now needs just 24 receptions to become the Bulldogs’ all-time receptions leader.

ABOUT CLEMSON (1-0): While Boyd gets the headlines, Clemson proved against Georgia that its other playmakers are more than capable. Junior wide receiver Sammy Watkins had an electrifying 77-yard TD catch and run, while senior running back Roderick McDowell added 132 yards on the ground. However, the Tigers’ defense needs to improve after allowing 545 yards in their season-opening victory.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Eight FBS teams lost to FCS teams in college football’s opening weekend.

2. In 28 games under offensive coordinator Chad Morris, the Tigers have averaged 37 points.

3. South Carolina State returns 17 of its 22 starters from 2012.

PREDICTION: Clemson 52, South Carolina State 20