#251 ASA PLAY ON 8* Iowa State +2.5 over Clemson, Wednesday at 5:45 PM ET - How can Clemson possibly be up for the Cheez It bowl after making the CFB playoffs in each of the last 6 seasons? They had much higher aspirations and simply didn’t get close to where they thought they’d be post-season. They also lost both coordinators so not an ideal situation for the Tigers. ISU is in a similar situation as they expected to have a great shot to win the Big 12 title yet underachieved. However, from what we are hearing ISU is very happy to have a chance to prove themselves, so to speak, facing a team that is used to playing for National Championships. Clemson’s offense fell off the map this year ranking 98th nationally after finishing 8th last year. They are averaging a fully 160 YPG less than they did a year ago. They are also averaging just 26 PPG after putting up 43 PPG last season. These teams are almost dead even defensively (both allow 310 YPG – 9th and 10th nationally) but ISU is much better on offense. They average a full 75 YPG and 1.3 YPP more than the Tigers. We realize the loss of RB Hall, who has opted out for the NFL, is a blow but with their solid OLine the rushing attack will still be affective. We’re also getting a big edge at QB with ISU’s Purdy completing 73% of his passes this year for 3,000 yards and 18 TD’s compared to Clemson’s Uiagalelei who completed only 54% of his passes for 3,000 yards and only 9 TD’s. The Cyclones played the tougher schedule (22 SOS to 51 SOS) and have the much better key numbers. ISU is +127 YPG, +1.4 YPP, and +12 PPG compared to Clemson’s +54 YPG, +0.8 YPP, and +12 PPG. We like the better team as a dog here.