Quarterback

Kyle Parker continued to alternate flashes of brilliance with rookie mistakes in Clemson’s win over Miami. The redshirt freshman threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner in OT, but also had a pair of costly turnovers that kept the ’Canes in the ball game to begin with. Redshirt sophomore Jamie Childers is slated to start for the Chanticleers over Zach McDowell, although both have thrown more interceptions than touchdowns on the season.

Advantage: Clemson

Running backs

The Tigers rank fourth in the ACC in rushing offense and young backs Jamie Harper and Andre Ellington have begun to emerge as solid options behind superstar C.J. Spiller. Harper came through in some crucial spots against Miami, and Ellington leads the Tiger backs in per carry average at 5.8. Coastal Carolina, meanwhile, has averaged fewer than two yards per carry in back-to-back losses to Stony Brook and Liberty.

Advantage: Clemson

Wide receivers

Clemson’s receiving corps has been pedestrian, at best, and even top target Jacoby Ford is averaging just 56.4 receiving yards per game, which ranks 10th in the ACC. However, the Tiger tight ends have begun to emerge — though starter Michael Palmer is doubtful against CCU — and Spiller is always a threat in the passing attack. The Chanticleers’ Brandon Whitley, a 6-3 redshirt junior, has 20 catches for 313 yards and two scores, all team highs.

Advantage: Clemson

Offensive line

The Tiger O-line has made some strides in the past two games, particularly in short-yardage situations, though it has allowed seven total sacks to a pair of mediocre defensive fronts over that stretch as well. Coastal’s line, meanwhile, has been victimized by Stony Brook and Liberty in consecutive losses — giving up eight sacks in those two games — and it’s hard to imagine that group holding up very well against Clemson’s talented pass rushers.

Advantage: Clemson

Run defense

The Chanticleers held Stony Brook to just 115 rushing yards but were gashed for 300 yards on the ground by Liberty the previous week, and may struggle to slow down Spiller and company. The Tigers rank sixth in the ACC in rushing defense but have allowed just three touchdowns on the ground — three fewer than any other league team. Miami had plenty of success against them last week, though, averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

Advantage: Clemson

Pass defense

Clemson has largely been as advertised here and ranks second in the ACC in both pass defense (163.3 yards per game) and opponents’ completion percentage (51.4). The Tigers have been susceptible to the big play at times, particularly on Chris Chancellor’s side of the field, but CCU is likely ill equipped to take advantage. This has also been an area of strength for the Chanticleers, who have picked off 12 passes against just seven passing TDs allowed.

Advantage: Clemson

Special teams

Spiller has established himself as the most explosive return man in the nation, if not the history of college football, and needs just one more kickoff return score to break the NCAA career record. He has seven kick return TDs, including one punt return, all told and needs just one more to tie the NCAA career mark there. Coastal has yet to score a return touchdown, but kicker Justin Durham has been solid on field goals.

Advantage: Clemson

— Steven Bradley