No.8 Clemson returns to Death Valley this weekend looking to bounce back after a hard-fought battle against LSU in the season opener. The Tigers showed plenty of promise on defense under new defensive coordinator Tom Allen, holding the high-powered LSU offense to just three points in the first half, but ultimately fell short. Now, the focus shifts to the Troy Trojans out of the Sun Belt Conference, a team that brings a physical brand of football to Memorial Stadium.
A Look at the Troy Trojans
The Trojans are coming off a season-opening win over Nicholls, where their ground game stole the show. Troy piled up 272 rushing yards, leaning heavily on starting running back Tae Meadows. Meadows was explosive, tallying 186 yards on 23 carries with a touchdown, including a long run of 47 yards that showed his breakaway ability.
Another wrinkle to Troy’s offense is the way they involve the tight ends. While the Trojans don’t air it out often, their tight ends are used effectively in both the passing and run game. In the last five of six games Troy has played, a tight end has scored a touchdown. They serve as reliable blockers who help open lanes for Tae Meadows, but they’re also frequent targets off play-action. That safety-valve role can be a challenge for linebackers and safeties who get caught creeping toward the line of scrimmage to stop the run. If Clemson sells out to contain the ground game, Troy’s tight ends could become an outlet for easy completions to move the chains.
Troy’s offensive identity is clear: they want to control the clock, wear down defenses, and force teams to play their tempo. That style presents an interesting challenge for Clemson’s front seven, who will look to build off a strong showing last week against LSU.
Clemson’s Defense Looking to Build
Linebackers Wade Woodaz and Sammy Brown were all over the field last weekend, combining for 17 total tackles and giving Clemson fans confidence in the future of the defense. With Troy leaning heavily on the run, this game could quickly become a showcase for the linebacker duo, along with defensive linemen TJ Parker and Peter Woods, who commanded constant attention from LSU’s offensive line last week.
If Clemson can control the line of scrimmage and limit Meadows’ impact early, it will force Troy to test the secondary, a battle that would favor the Tigers.
Offense Needs to Settle In
While Clemson’s defense stood tall in week one, the offense is still searching for rhythm. Against Troy, establishing the run game early and getting the ball into the hands of playmakers at wide receiver will be key. Look for the Tigers to use tempo and quick passes to build confidence for the offense as they continue to adjust from last week’s test.
What’s at Stake
This is the kind of game where Clemson will want to make a statement. Coming off a tough loss, the Tigers now get the chance to set the tone at home and show progress on both sides of the ball. For Troy, it’s an opportunity to pull off a program-defining upset and prove that their physical run game can travel against top competition.
Final Thoughts
The matchup will likely come down to whether Clemson’s defense can stifle Troy’s rushing attack and whether the Tigers’ offense can find consistency early. If both click, it could be a comfortable game in Death Valley. But if Troy manages to keep the game close with its ground-and-pound style, Clemson will need to rely on discipline and playmaking to secure the win.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on ACC Network, as Clemson looks to notch its first win of the 2025 season in front of the home crowd.
