Georgia Tech has started the season in dominant fashion, cruising past Gardner-Webb and Colorado to move to 2-0. Their offense has been the driving force, averaging over 570 yards per game and ranking among the best in the country. While their defense sits around 64th nationally, their ability to move the ball has carried them into a major early-season showdown with Clemson.
Clemson, meanwhile, has not looked as sharp as expected. Entering the season ranked No. 4 after winning the ACC last year, they’ve stumbled early. The Tigers suffered an upset loss to Troy and struggled to find rhythm against LSU. Their defense has held up reasonably well, but their offensive inconsistency has raised concerns.
Calling the game will be an experienced crew. Bob Wischusen, known for his steady, reliable delivery, has worked for ESPN and ABC since 2005 across football, basketball, golf, and even the NHL. He also serves as the radio voice of the New York Jets. Alongside him will be Louis Riddick, a former NFL safety and front-office executive who has become one of ESPN’s most respected analysts. Riddick brings insight from his playing and scouting background, with experience covering everything from the NFL Draft to Monday Night Football. On the sidelines, Kris Budden will provide updates. She has covered a wide range of sports at ESPN and previously at FOX Sports, winning awards early in her career while reporting on events like the Olympics and NCAA tournaments.
Georgia Tech enters this matchup eager to prove themselves. Despite being underdogs, the Yellow Jackets boast a top-10 offense and the confidence of an unbeaten record. Head coach Brent Key emphasized discipline, noting that their “margins aren’t big” and that avoiding self-inflicted mistakes will be key.
For Clemson, the challenge lies in their history. Under coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers have often stumbled in away ACC openers, with four of five conference opener losses coming on the road. Quarterback Cade Klubnik will be under scrutiny to steady the offense. Still, Swinney has a reputation for quickly rebounding his teams after poor performances, something Georgia Tech will have to overcome.
The stakes are significant. This matchup could reshape the ACC’s balance of power and influence the course of the season. Brent Key acknowledged Clemson’s historical dominance but insisted it was up to Georgia Tech to make the series competitive again. A victory against a top-15 opponent would not only validate their explosive offense but also signal their emergence as a serious contender in the conference.