Football searches for upset win heading into tilt with Clemson

The Troy Trojans travel to Clemson Saturday to take on the fourth ranked team in the nation. 

Troy enters Death Valley coming off its 38-20 win over Nicholls last Saturday. The Trojans struggled early, but relied on the depth of their team in a 28-3 fourth quarter. 

Questions surround Clemson heading into week two. The Tigers squared off with LSU in a ranked battle last week, where Clemson fell short 17-10. After struggling offensively -- with just 261 yards of total offense -- and being dominated in time of possession by a 14-minute margin, it remains a mystery just how good this Dabo Swinney coached team will turn out to be. 

The Tigers and the Trojans have become somewhat familiar with one another over the past 15 years. The two have faced off twice, with Clemson winning both times.  

Many Trojan fans will remember the 2016 matchup, with Neal Brown’s team nearly stunning the eventual national champions on their home turf. Deshaun Watson and the Tigers escaped the Trojans 30-24. 

In the 2025 edition of this matchup, the Trojans will have to limit quarterback Cade Klubnik. The senior threw for 230 yards a week ago and currently has the fifth-best odds to oist the Heisman Trophy in December. 

Clemson’s rushing struggles are clear. Its lead running back James Randall tallied just 16 yards in the season opener. Although the senior has spent his entire career in “Death Valley,” this is his first season as a running back. He formerly played wide receiver for the team, but only saw limited reps. 

Defensively, the Tigers managed to limit LSU to just 17 points but are still missing some key players. Safety Khalil Barnes led the team in interceptions last season. After missing the opening game, his status remains uncertain. 

Since joining FBS 25 years ago, Troy has established itself as a “giant killer.” The Trojans have defeated major teams such as Missouri, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, Nebraska and most famously LSU. In those upsets, Missouri was ranked No. 19 and LSU was ranked No. 18. 

With one Death Valley conquered in 2017, the Trojans will need to limit the passing game and force Clemson to rely on a seemingly struggling rushing attack if they want to conquer the other. Clemson’s defense is strong, so seeing efficiency from Goose Crowder and the passing game will be crucial. 

Troy kicks off its second game of the year with the Clemson Tigers this Saturday at 2:30 p.m at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. The game will be broadcast on the ACC Network.