Clemson football vs. Louisiana Tech: Scouting report and our prediction

CLEMSON - It seems that every time the Clemson football team straps on its helmets of late, there’s some type of streak on the line, and that certainly will hold true when the No. 4 Tigers play host to Louisiana Tech on Saturday (8 p.m., ACC Network).

Clemson (2-0) has won eight consecutive games, which is the longest active streak among Power 5 teams, and is riding a 35-game home winning streak that also ranks as the nation’s longest. The Tigers haven’t lost at home since a one-point loss to Pitt on Nov. 12, 2016.

Here’s what to know about the matchup and a score prediction:

Here comes Adam Randall

Randall, who last spring wowed coaches and teammates alike before suffering a torn ACL, is back and ready to rock. He may be on a "pitch count," as Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said, but Clemson fans can expect to get their first look at the 6-foot-4, 225-pound freshman who already may be the best receiver on the team.

“He looks great,” Swinney said. “He’s a shot in the arm for us for sure, even if it’s in a limited capacity. It’s just great to have him. He brings a great presence – he’s a high-character kid, a high-football IQ kid, a high-effort kid. He’s unique in his skill set.”

YOUTHFUL GROUPClemson's wide receivers aren't exactly long on experience

Tigers' top trio could miss game

Clemson could be without its top three defensive players against Louisiana Tech (1-1) – defensive tackles Bryan Bresee and Tyler Davis and defensive end Xavier Thomas.

Bresee’s younger sister, Ella, died on Thursday following a battle with brain cancer, so he’s expected to be with his family in Damascus, Maryland. Davis, who suffered an undisclosed injury in the season opener against Georgia Tech and missed last week's game against Furman, also may not play.

Thomas, who suffered a foot injury that required surgery during preseason practice, is expected to return to the lineup in late September.

CALLED OUTClemson football coach Dabo Swinney says there were too many 'loafers' in win against Furman

Beware the Air Raid offense

Clemson’s defense surrendered sizeable chunks of yardage on screen plays in its first two games against Georgia Tech and Furman, which looms as a concern against Louisiana Tech’s Air Raid offense. First-year Tech coach Sonny Cumbie surely has some fireworks planned.

“Certainly a lot of screens, a lot of controlled passing, a lot of horizontal stuff and then boom, mix in some vertical shots,” Swinney said. “So you’ve got to be really disciplined.”

Clemson offense a 'work in progress'

Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei looks to keep his momentum going after posting the best game of his career in terms of completion percentage and quarterback rating. Despite that effort, Clemson still ranks only 86th in total offense, so there’s plenty of room for improvement for the entire unit.

“We’re a work in progress, for sure,” Swinney said. “We’re still learning about our team, but we need to take another step this week.”

NATE THE GREAT?Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is counting on cornerback Nate Wiggins to mature, make plays

Prediction

Clemson 44, Louisiana Tech 12: Swinney says he wants his team to “put on a show” for the Tigers’ first home night game of the season, and that seems a likelihood. In three games against Louisiana Tech since 2001, Clemson has outpointed the Bulldogs by an average margin of 44-12. Let’s ride with that score.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football vs. Louisiana Tech: Scouting report, score prediction