Clemson and Iowa State are set to square off in the 2021 Cheez-It Bowl. Here is what you need to know prior to kickoff about the Cheez-It Bowl: Clemson vs Iowa State.

Matchup: Cheez-It Bowl Clemson vs Iowa State

Game Time: December 29, 2021, at 5:45 Eastern Standard Time

Game Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida

Team Records: Clemson: 9-3 Iowa State: 7-5

How to Watch: ESPN

Not Playing/Coaching

Both teams will be without key players/coaches on Wednesday. Iowa State All-American running back Breece Hall has opted out to focus on the NFL Draft. Hall set an NCAA record against TCU rushing for a touchdown in his 24th straight game. Iowa State will rely on Jirehl Brock and Deon Silas to fill the void left by Hall. Brock and Silas have combined for only 34 carries on the year. This means the dual-threat ability of quarterback Brock Purdy will be invaluable for the Cyclones.

Clemson, while not having any players opt-out, will be without former defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Venables took the head coaching job at Oklahoma and will not be available to coach the Clemson defense. While it is easy to be enamored with Clemson’s offense over the years, Venables’ defenses have played exceptionally well. Currently, there are 17 former Clemson defensive players on NFL rosters. It is safe to say Venables’ void will be missed.

Clemson’s Key Players

Andrew Booth Jr.: Booth Jr. is wildly considered one of the best draft-eligible cornerbacks in this years class. Booth Jr. is projected as high as 8th overall in some mock drafts due to his length and incredible cover ability. In Clemson’s last game against South Carolina, Booth Jr had two interceptions. While Booth Jr. could have opted out of the bowl game, he and the entire team remain steadfast in their eagerness to play. A key matchup to watch for will be Andrew Booth Jr. against Xavier Hutchinson.

D.J Uiagalelei: The replacement to 1st overall pick Trevor Lawrence has not lived up to the hype that once surrounded him. D.J. will also have to play without his best wide receiver Justyn Ross who is recovering from foot surgery. The Clemson offense will have to utilize a balanced attack against a stingy Cyclone defense. Despite a lack of star players, Clemson has found success running the ball. Uiagalelei has run the ball 99 times on the year and rushed for 4 touchdowns. Uiagelelei’s ability to limit turnovers will be key in Clemson’s pursuit of a bowl win.

Beaux Collins: Someone will have to step up in the absence of wide receiver Justyn Ross. Someone who could step up for the Tiger’s offense is freshman Beaux Collins. Despite his youth, Collins has had some big games for the Tigers this season. Not only has Collins had over 100 yards in 2 of Clemson’s last 4 games, but he also has a touchdown in 3 of his last 4 games. Collins’ ability to create plays for Clemson will be crucial for their at times stagnant offense.

Iowa State’s Key Players

Will McDonald IV: Without star running back Breece Hall available, McDonald will be the best Cyclone on the field against Clemson. McDonald has 11.5 sacks which are tied for the 7th most in the NCAA. Not only is McDonald great at getting to the quarterback, but he also forces a lot of fumbles. His 5 forced fumbles on the year are tied for the second-most in the nation. McDonald also ranks first all-time with 27.5 in his illustrious career.

Mike Rose: Linebacker Mike Rose will be playing in his last game with the Cyclones Wednesday. The 4-year starter and 3-year captain is one of the most decorated Cyclones of all time. Rose is a former first-team All-American and Big 12 defensive player of the year. Also, with 13 tackles against Clemson, Rose would be in the top 10 all-time in tackles for the Cyclones.

Brock Purdy: You can not talk about Iowa State’s gradual improvement over the last half-decade without mentioning quarterback Brock Purdy. Even in the absence of Breece Hall, Purdy will still have his fair share of weapons to work with. Purdy has put up historical numbers in his time at Iowa State. Brock Purdy has set multiple all-time records in his time at Iowa State. Amongst these records are the all-time passing yards and all-time touchdowns. Look for Purdy to try and conclude his historic Cyclone career on a high note Wednesday.

Prediction

Both teams will enter Wednesday’s contest without key pieces. Even in today’s modern era of explosive offenses, expect both defenses to play a key role in this game. Moreover, expect turnovers and sacks to play a massive role in the outcome. This game feels evenly matched, but I will give a slight edge to Clemson due to head coach Dabo Sweeney’s ability to win late in the year. My final score prediction is Clemson: 23 Iowa State: 17.

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