Quarterback

Despite the outcome and the fact he was running for his life, Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper never seemed rattled against Alabama, completing 20-of-34 passes for 188 yards. His lone interception was off a tipped ball from his own player. The Citadel’s Bart Blanchard got his career off to a good start with 12-of-14 passing for 137 yards and two scores, but it was against Webber International.

Advantage: Clemson

Running back

Zero rushing yards. That’s what Clemson’s rushing offense got last week. That’s not likely to happen against The Citadel. You can expect James Davis and C.J. Spiller to get more than 20 yards and eight carries this week. Citadel freshman Asheton Jordan rushed for 70 yards and two scores against Webber, but look to see Cody Wilson and Rickey Anderson get more action.

Advantage: Clemson

Wide receiver

When Clemson’s running backs did get down field, and it wasn’t often against Alabama, Aaron Kelly showed much improvement with his blocking and Tyler Grisham has always been solid in that department. The Citadel’s Andre Roberts is one of the best receivers in the FCS (formerly 1-AA). He was responsible for three TDs last week, including a 78-yard bomb from Blanchard.

Advantage: Clemson

Offensive line

Redshirt freshman David Smith will get the start at left guard after Jamarcus Grant struggled against Alabama, while redshirt freshman Mason Cloy will start for the injured Barry Humphries at right guard. The Bulldogs are led by senior left guard Jacob Bryant, senior center Clay Muirhead and senior right tackle David Morbitzer. The Citadel starts three seniors and two juniors up front.

Advantage: The Citadel

Run defense

The Bulldogs run an odd-front defense and will do a lot of blitzing and stunting to make up for their lack of speed and size in stopping the run. Clemson looked awful against the run last week, but much of that was due to Alabama. The Tigers still have a lot of talent up front, and Kavell Conner and Brandon Maye showed promise at their linebacker positions against Alabama despite the loss.

Advantage: Clemson

Pass defense

Alabama did complete 22-of-30 passes, but it was all dinks and dunks to short route receivers and tight ends. When Alabama tried to test Clemson deep, it got nothing at all. The Tigers gave up just one play – that was 24 yards – longer than 20 yards in pass defense. The Bulldogs will be starting three sophomores – corner Shaquill Smith, corner Cortez Allen and safety Demetrius Jackson – in the secondary.

Advantage: Clemson

Special teams

Mark Buchholz got the year off with a 33-yard field goal. Jimmy Manners could be the punter this week after freshman Dawson Zimmerman netted just 34.3 yards against Alabama, while its doubtful anyone will kick to C.J. Spiller after his 96-yard kickoff return against Alabama. Roberts, like Spiller, is the Bulldogs big-play guy. He also had a 64-yard punt return for a score against Webber International.

Advantage: Clemson

Bottom line: People scoffed at Clemson when they saw The Citadel on the schedule, but after what happened in Atlanta, this is a perfect game for Clemson to have. It’s a great chance at a win and more importantly, it’s a chance to get some of the kinks worked out while trying to build some confidence on a team that could use plenty of it right now.