ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Cheez-It Bowl: Iowa State (7-5) against No. 19 Clemson (9-3), Dec. 29, 5:45 p.m. Eastern (ESPN).
Line: Iowa State by 1, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Clemson is seeking its 11th consecutive 10-win season to join Florida State (14, 1987-2000) and Alabama (14, 2008-21) as the only schools to reach double-digit victories in at least 11 straight seasons. Iowa State is looking for its 11th win (10-11) against a Top-25 opponent since 2017.
KEY MATCHUP
Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei facing defensive end Will McDonald IV and the Iowa State defense. The sophomore QB has struggled at times as Trevor Lawrence’s replacement, completing 187 of 342 passes (54.7%) for 2059 yards, nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. McDonald has a school-record 11 ½ sacks this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Iowa State: Quarterback Brock Purdy has completed 73.1% (269 of 368) of his passes for 2,984 and 18 touchdowns this year. The senior has the most wins (30-16) in school history.
Clemson: Running back Will Shipley is looking to become the first Tigers true freshman with four 100-yard rushing games in a season since C.J. Spiller set the school record with five in 2006. He also has Clemson’s highest kickoff return average (27.1) in a season among qualified players since Spiller in 2009 (32.8).
FACTS & FIGURES
Clemson had a streak of reaching the CFB playoffs in six consecutive season’s end. The Tigers, under coach Dabo Swinney, finished first in the AP Poll in 2016 and 2018, second in 2015 and 2019, third in 2020 and fourth in 2017. … Iowa State running back Breece Hall, the nation’s leader in scoring (138) and touchdowns (23), will not play after announcing his plans to enter the NFL draft. He ran for 1,472 yards and 20 TDs in 2021. … The Cyclones are playing in a school-record fifth-straight bowl game. … Clemson ended the regular season No. 9 in the nation in total defense (308.4), while Iowa State was 10th (309.2). … The Tigers won seven of eight after a 2-2 start.
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