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Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

NCAAF top 25 futures: Clemson looking to get back among elite

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 8/5/23

Since winning a national title in 2018, things have felt a little off for the Clemson Tigers. Sure, they have not won less than 10 games in any of those seasons since, but they have been leaving us wanting more. Last season they turned over a lot of coaches, and things were just messy. They are hoping for tighter performances in 2023.

Clemson still has a lot of talent, but the continuity that was critical to its recent successes has waned over the last few seasons. The Tigers have a new offensive coordinator again this season, and the quarterback does not have much experience. The talent is in place for this team to be among the best in the nation though. We will see how things turn out.

No. 11 Clemson Tigers 2023 Win Total

Over 10 -105 / Under 10 -115

When your win total is in double digits there is not much room for error. Per the above though, this is a zone that Clemson has set up shop in — the last time the Tigers had less than 10 wins in a season was back in 2010. The pricing on this total is pretty even, and that is why I am curious we are not getting that 0.5 win, which is the norm (and leads to less pushes). That leads me to believe that the market is truly setting the line and price with about even speculation on both sides. This should be a good Clemson team in a mediocre ACC.

The nonconference part of the schedule is very light early. The annual game against South Carolina is always pretty heated and on the road this season, but if both teams play their best the Tigers will win. Within the ACC, Clemson starts with a home game against Florida State. That is one of the most anticipated games of the year and has major ramifications for the league and more. A win makes the Tigers a College Football Playoff favorite, while a loss might linger. They have a breather after that with the latter half of the schedule tougher than the beginning. Notre Dame visits in November, and by then we will know exactly what kind of Clemson team we have.

Last year, the Tigers did not get the quarterback play that was so critical to their recent championship teams. With DJ Uiagalelei now at Oregon State, they are hoping their offense can be effective enough to get back into contention. Replacement QB Cade Klubnik looks more than good enough, and just as important, Garrett Riley as the new offensive coordinator inspires confidence. An improved offense makes Clemson very dangerous because the defensive reputation is right there with the likes of Georgia and Alabama. We need some proof of concept, but there is every reason to be bullish on the Tigers.

That game against the Seminoles is the critical one for Clemson. If you think the Tigers win, then the over looks very solid. If not, there is very little room for error. I am in the first camp. With the game in Death Valley and me having reservations about FSU being truly elite, I like the Tigers there and expect them to use that win to push themselves to a strong season. Take the over.

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