This game could have been a lot different with Breece Hall in the lineup for Iowa State. He opted out of this game and with it Iowa States' rushing game. Hal finished first in the Big 12 in rushing and seventh in the country, in that category for the second straight season. Brock Prudy is a capable quarterback when he has a running game but I have concerns about putting the offense in his hands alone. They will be facing the ninth-best rushing defense in the country and without Hall, moving the ball on the ground will be a problem. The Tiger's pass rush is not too bad either. I am not a huge believer in DJ U, but they do have a potent running game and Iowa State struggled against the run to close out the season. Clemson lost both Coordinators but that should not be a huge problem as they have already been replaced from within. The loss of Hall is huge and the Clemson defense will carry the day.

Play on Clemson. This is a 7* play.