Final predictions for Clemson vs. Charleston Southern as Tigers look to 'dominate' FCS opponent

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Oct. 16—CLEMSON — The Tigers are back from their week off and ready to take on their most favorable opponent of the year.

Clemson (3-2, 2-1 ACC) is set to host Charleston Southern (3-3, 0-2 OVC) on Oct. 17 at noon in Memorial Stadium. The Tigers are coming off of a bye week and a loss to No. 3 Miami on Oct. 3. The Buccaneers serve as a tuneup game for coach Dabo Swinney's squad, who said the goal is to be "in the mix" come November.

"Not taking anything away from Charleston Southern, but we're a better football team," he said. "We need to play the way we're supposed to play."

Here's what to expect from a game Swinney said Clemson needs to "dominate."

Key players

Clemson

Easton Ware, OL: Swinney said Clemson had planned to start Ware, a sophomore who missed 2025 with a shoulder injury, at right guard in the 51-10 loss to LSU in Week 1. Ware instead replaced an injured Collin Sadler at right tackle and has since been fighting to carve out a role on the offensive line. This weekend, he'll finally get his chance as the first RG on the field. It's against lesser competition, but Ware playing well would be a major step forward for an offensive line that's struggled, particularly on the right side.

Kourtney Kelly, DT: Kelly tore his ACL in the spring after transferring in from West Georgia. He was initially expected to miss the year, but now he's on track to play this weekend. Swinney said Kelly was in the running to be starter on the defensive line before his injury. It's unlikely Kelly is a full-go on Saturday, but any help on the depleted interior line would be a big boost.

Charleston Southern

Hakeem Watters, RB: Swinney mentioned the Buccaneers' running back multiple times this week because of the speed he flashed on tape, even calling Watters a "water bug" because of his speed and last name. Watters leads Charleston Southern with 369 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He averages 6.7 yards per carry.

Steve Zayachkowsky, LB: Charleston Southern's defense isn't exactly a lockdown unit, but Zayachkowsky is the leader on that side of the ball. He leads the team in tackles, sacks and is second in passes defended as a linebacker. He'll be roaming the middle of the field all game for the Buccaneers, which is where Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds has been most effective as a passer. It will be key for Clemson to continue succeeding over the middle with Zayachkowsky defending.

Key matchup

For the first time in his career and perhaps the only time all season, Reynolds is the more experienced quarterback on the field. Sort of.

The true freshman is making his fourth career start this weekend. His opposing quarterback, sophomore Jared Echols, is making his second career start. Echols took over for Lek Powell last week in a 49-39 win over South Carolina State. He threw for 194 yards and three touchdowns in his debut.

Regardless of experience, Reynolds needs to show the difference between an FBS and FCS quarterback on Saturday. The flashes he's shown vs. better competition need to come together for the most complete game of his career so far. No turnovers and his first passing touchdown since the North Carolina game on Sept. 19 would be helpful and reassuring.

Reynolds is as relaxed as ever entering the matchup, and said Clemson is "right there" in terms of reaching its potential this season. A big-time offensive performance where he gets to hit the showers early will go a long way to proving his claim.

Key storyline

As Swinney put it, Clemson plays the first game of its seven-game season on Saturday.

It's the first time the Tigers have ever played an FCS opponent out of a bye week. Fans and outsiders are expecting a dominant performance. If Clemson is just OK, or has another scare like the Troy game last season, expect murmurs of the situation in Clemson being worse than people thought.

There's nothing pointing toward the Tigers having a poor showing. Clemson has never lost to an FCS opponent since the divisions were made in the early 1970s. Even Georgia Southern, who Clemson barely put away in a 22-7 win on Sept. 12, pummeled the Buccaneers 31-0 on Sept. 5.

Anything less than pure dominance is a red flag.

Final prediction: Clemson 51, Charleston Southern 7

Fortunately for Clemson fans, there will be no scare or sluggishness present on Saturday.

Reynolds plays his best game of the year, passing for two touchdowns and finally going a game without a turnover. Gideon Davidson adds two more on the ground, plus a Nolan Hauser field goal to make it 31-0 at halftime.

Clemson moves to Christopher Vizzina in the second half, who is essentially there to hand the ball of to Chris Johnson Jr. and Jarvis Green as the senior QB is still recovering from an elbow fracture he sustained against Georgia Southern. Johnson and Green combine for two more touchdowns before the Tigers call it a day and throw Trent Pearman and the third-and-fourth-stringers out there.

Charleston Southern snags a late touchdown against a defensive lineup that's mostly freshmen and guys who don't play.

The Tigers are 4-2 after handling business and turn the page to five straight ACC opponents, starting with a night game vs. Virginia Tech on Oct. 24.

Reach Jackson Castellano at jcastellano@postandcourier.com or follow him on X @jaxacastellano. Want the latest Clemson news sent to your inbox? Subscribe to The Tiger Take.

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