No. 5 – Clemson Tigers Season Preview

Clemson has been the class of the ACC for the last half decade. The Tigers have won at least 10 games for each of the last 10 seasons, but they kicked their program into another gear in 2015. That was when Clemson first made it to the College Football Playoff, and Dabo Swinney has piloted this program to six straight CFP appearances and two national championships since that point. Their streak might be in jeopardy this season though, as the Tigers no longer have Trevor Lawrence and only return five starters on offense. Still, Clemson is the overwhelming favorite to win the ACC.

Clemson Regular Season Win Total

Over 11.5 Wins +100

Under 11.5 Wins -130

OFFENSE

D.J. Uiagalelei has some big shoes to fill. Clemson has had two legendary quarterbacks lead the Tigers to national titles in recent years, so there is increased pressure on Uiagalelei. He looked the part against Notre Dame last season, and he finished the season completing 66.7% of his passes for 914 yards with five touchdowns and no picks.

There is a bevy of four- and five-star prospects elsewhere on the offense, but not much in terms of proven talent. The return of Justyn Ross will be a huge boost after he missed all of 2020 with a neck injury. Tight end Braden Galloway is the leading returning receiver, and there is a lot of buzz about Frank Ladson Jr. and his big play ability.

Lyn-J Dixon is penciled in as the starting running back. Kobe Pace and true freshman Will Shipley are expected to see a good amount of time in the backfield though, and Shipley was the third-ranked running back in this class.

The offensive line has three returning starters from 2020. Matt Bockhorst is the leader of the unit, but Jordan McFadden and Will Putnam were All-ACC Honorable Mention selections last year.

DEFENSE

Brent Venables is one of the best defensive coordinators in the country. Clemson allowed under 14 PPG from 2017 to 2019 before backsliding a bit and allowing 20.2 PPG in 2020. This unit is ready to be elite again though with nine returning starters and a dominant front seven.

All four starters along the defensive line have been All-ACC selections in either 2019 or 2020. Xavier Thomas and Tyler Davis were all-conference choices in 2019, while Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee were superb as true freshmen. That could make this the best defensive line in the country this season.

James Skalski and Baylon Spector are both superb linebackers. Spector led Clemson in tackles last season, and Skalski doesn’t miss tackles.

The secondary is rock solid with First Team All-ACC selection Nolan Turner patrolling the middle of the field. Cornerback Andrew Booth is considered a very good NFL prospect, and Fred Davis II appears ready to start in his second season.

SCHEDULE

Clemson has a very tough test in its season opener. The Tigers must take on the Georgia Bulldogs in Charlotte, and that is likely to be the only game in which they are favored by less than 10 points. They are expected to run roughshod over the conference, as Clemson is 47-3 against ACC foes over the last six seasons.

PREDICTION

The under has to be the pick here considering Clemson is such a short favorite against Georgia in Week 1. There are some real questions about the Tigers, especially early in the season, and an 11-win season seems the most likely scenario for Clemson.

Follow our Twitter account for the latest sports news and wagering odds, and come to our Instagram for more useful betting info too.