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Clemson vs. Troy prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins Saturday’s matchup in Memorial Stadium between the Trojans and Tigers.

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Clemson vs. Troy Game Preview

The Trojans opened the new season with a dominating 57-17 win over Austin Peay behind the arm of Brandon Silvers, who threw for 229 yards and two touchdowns, and the legs of Jordan Chunn, who rushed for 161 yards and one score. Meanwhile, the College Football Playoff national runner-up Tigers survived a trip to Auburn and escaped with a 19-13 win. In the only meeting between these two programs, Clemson claimed victory in 2011.

What To Know About Troy

The Trojans received a strong effort from quarterback Brandon Silvers in the opener. He had command of the offense, completing 20 of 27 passes and averaging 8.5 yards per completion. Sawyer Smith saw action as well and threw for 86 yards, completing all seven attempts, and one score. In total, Troy amassed 706 yards while holding Austin Peay to 254 total yards. However, a different animal awaits in Clemson. Things are about to be a lot more difficult for the Trojans.

What to Know About Clemson

Deshaun Watson passed for 248 yards, including 174 to a healthy Mike Williams, and Wayne Gallman carried 30 times for 123 yards in Clemson’s nail-biting win over Auburn in the opener. Clemson had a 233-38 advantage in total yards in the first half but only held a 10-3 lead at the break. Auburn could not put much together on offense behind three different quarterbacks, but Clemson could not put the nail in the coffin. Expect a focused Clemson team against Troy this week, as the Tigers will want to start playing crisp football and put any offensive struggles behind them.

Advantages

Offense: Clemson. Watson will eventually get back to his dominant ways, and Williams showed that he is ready to have a big year.

Defense: Clemson. Coordinator Brent Venables continues to get the best out of his unit.

Special Teams: Clemson. The Tigers have a distinct talent advantage in all three phases of the game.

Coaching: Clemson. Dabo Swinney always has his players bringing their own guts.

Intangibles: Clemson. Tiger fans will be rabid for the home opener.

Matchup To Watch

Williams vs. Kamryn Melton

Watson has to love that Williams is back to full speed. The wide reciever had a great game against Auburn, and he actually should be defended at times this week by a one-time Auburn cornerback in Melton, who transferred to Troy and sat out last year after his redshirt season on The Plains. Melton had an interception in the opener and could give Williams some fits.

Betting Odds

Spread: Clemson -34

Over/Under: 61

Clemson vs. Troy Prediction

Neal Brown’s Trojans are unquestionably headed in the right direction. They had several close Sun Belt losses last year and have some nice pieces on offense (including NFL prospect Antonio Garcia at tackle). Silvers and Chunn should be able to have some moderate success moving the football against the Tigers, but the talent disparity will eventually start to show. Clemson will create some big plays defensively, and we will start to see 2015 Deshaun emerge. And that’s bad news for the opposition.

Clemson vs. Troy Score Prediction: Clemson 52, Troy 23

MORE: Week 2 College Football Bowl Projections