Eric Mac Lain sees a clear opportunity for Clemson to build its winning streak to three games Saturday, but he wants the Tigers to approach Georgia Tech with a specific offensive priority. Establishing the run and finishing drives with touchdowns sit atop the former Clemson offensive lineman’s list.

On the Gramlich & Mac Lain podcast, Mac Lain picked Clemson to win and cover the 13.5-point spread against the Yellow Jackets. His confidence comes with expectations for an offense that continues to struggle inside the red zone.

“So I’m the opposite of you. Run the ball. Run the ball. Just run the ball. That’s all I want to see,” Mac Lain said. “We can do jet sweeps if you want to, [run] in between the tackles. But I want touchdowns in the red zone. I’ve got to have touchdowns in the red zone.”

Georgia Tech’s defensive numbers help explain that approach. The Yellow Jackets rank last in the ACC in rushing defense, allowing 222.8 yards per game, compared with fifth in passing defense at 196.1 yards allowed.

Co-host Kelly Gramlich wants Clemson to produce more through the air, but Mac Lain believes leaning into Georgia Tech’s weakness offers the Tigers their best path forward.

He also expects Clemson’s defense to continue carrying its share of the workload. Mac Lain highlighted a unit that ranks second in the ACC in sacks and fifth in points allowed, expressing doubt that Georgia Tech will consistently move the football.

There is additional motivation following last season’s 24-21 loss in Atlanta, when a 55-yard field goal ended Clemson’s nine-game winning streak in the series. Still, Mac Lain wants execution to define Saturday’s response.

“I want to see [Clemson] committed to the run. Don’t just take shots to take shots,” he said.

Clemson enters at 6-3 overall and 4-2 in conference play, while Georgia Tech is 2-7 and 1-5. Kickoff at Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on The CW.