FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The last time Clemson visited Hard Rock Stadium in the regular season, the Tigers handed Miami its worse loss in program history, 58-0.

Of course, that was in 2015 and Deshaun Watson was in the midst of leading Clemson to its first undefeated regular season since 1981. The Tigers returned to Miami later that year and defeated No. 4 Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff Semifinals at the Orange Bowl to advance to the national championship game.

Since then, Clemson has won two national championships, played in four title games, and earned six CFP berths. Miami fired Al Golden as head coach the day after losing to Clemson and the program has since had three other head coaches.

Since 2015, no team has won more road games than Clemson (35) and the Tigers would like to add to that total on Saturday.

Miami is 0-4 against Clemson since that 2015 game, being outscored 178-30 by the Tigers.

Clemson (4-2, 2-2 ACC) at Miami (4-2, 0-2 ACC)

Kickoff: Saturday, Oct. 21, 8 p.m.

Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.

TV: ACCN

Spread: Clemson -3

Over/Under: 48.5

Series: Clemson leads 7-6

WHAT’S AT STAKE

The winner stays in the ACC Championship Game race, while the loser is all but eliminated. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, who has 165 career wins, can pass Hall of Fame head coach Frank Howard as the school’s all-time winningest coach. Howard had 165 wins at Clemson from 1940-’69. Swinney has posted a 165-41 record in his 15-plus years as Clemson’s head coach.

KEY MATCHUP

Saturday’s contest will be a matchup of the ACC’s top total defense (Clemson, 261.8 yards allowed per game) and its top total offense (Miami, 501.8 yards gained per game). Each unit ranks in the Top 10 nationally, as the Tigers stand fifth in the FBS in total defense, while the Hurricanes’ offensive production ranks seventh.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has a right leg injury, but no one is saying how significant the injury is. The junior was seen walking around campus earlier this week with his right leg wrapped to above his knee… Miami wide receivers Xavier Restrepo (47 catches, 574 yards), Jacolby George (29 catches, 462 yards) and Colbie Young (23 catches, 318 yards) account for 1,354 receiving yards this year – 72.6 percent of Miami’s total (1,865)… Restrepo ranks No. 1 in the ACC in receptions per game (7.83), No. 1 in total receptions (47) and No. 2 in receiving yards per game (95.67)… Though he has only had 10 returns in his six games, wide receiver Brashard Smith has made them count, ranking first in the nation in kickoff return average at 34.7 yards per return. Smith’s 98-yard kickoff return TD vs. Texas A&M was tied for the eighth-longest return in 2023… Defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III and defensive end Akheem Mesidor led a defensive line that is considered one of the best in the nation. Defensive ends Nyjalik Kelly and Jahfari Harvey also add talent to the front, along with defensive tackle Branson Deen… Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker is tied for seventh in the ACC with 4.0 sacks. The true freshman is second in the ACC in tackles for loss per game (1.42). He has 8.5 tackles for loss and six quarterback pressures… Freshman wide receiver Tyler Brown is tied for Clemson’s team lead with 24 catches for 338 yards and 2 TDs… Clemson is expected to get back preseason All-ACC corner Nate Wiggins and 2022 Freshman All-American Antonio Williams at wide receiver. Wiggins has missed the last two games with a sprained knee, while Williams has missed the last three with an ankle injury… Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik has thrown 151 consecutive passes without an interception.

THIS AND THAT

Since Miami joined the ACC in 2004, Clemson is 3-0 against the Hurricanes in games played in the Miami area. The Tigers beat Miami in the Old Orange Bowl in 2004 and have since beat them twice (2009 and 2015) at Hard Rock Stadium… Clemson is riding a four-game winning streak in its series with Miami, including wins in 2015, 2017, 2020 and 2022. The Tigers outscored Miami by a combined 178-30 in those four games… Clemson’s first Orange Bowl appearance came in the 1951 Classic, when the Tigers upset Miami, 15-14, to complete its second undefeated year in three seasons… Clemson’s visit to Miami will feature some familiar faces in Miami wide receiver Frank Ladson, Jr. and Miami’s Director of Athletics, Dan Radakovich. From 2019-’21, Ladson caught 31 passes for 428 yards with six touchdowns for the Tigers. He transferred to Miami prior to the 2022 season. Radakovich served as Clemson’s athletic director from 2012-’21, helping further elevate Clemson’s national prominence.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Miami has turned the football over nine times in the last two games. Both of Clemson’s losses this season have come when it has lost the turnover battle. This game is simple to pick. Whoever wins the turnover battle on Saturday will win the game.

PREDICTION

Clemson 21, Miami 17

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