NCAAF Pick: Clemson Over 10 (-105) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
The Clemson Tigers haven’t made the CFP in two straight seasons. Will the Tigers finally get back to the Playoffs this season?
Let’s analyze the NCAAF futures at the top offshore sportsbooks and preview what to expect from Clemson in the ACC and the regular season.
Key Facts
- Clemson went 9-0 against ACC competition last year.
- Dabo Swinney is 161-39 with Clemson as head coach.
- Highly regarded quarterback Cade Klubnik will take over at quarterback for the Clemson Tigers.
Clemson Tigers Preview
The Clemson Tigers went 11-3 overall and 9-0 in the ACC last season. They’re heading into Year 16 with Dabo Swinney as head coach, where he’s had a 161-39 record throughout his time with Clemson.
Clemson hasn’t made the College Football Playoff in a couple of years. There are concerns that the “dynasty” is over, but I wouldn’t be concerned. Clemson has everything to make another run for a College Football Playoff berth this season.
Is Clemson Back?
Clemson fans are spoiled. Going undefeated in the ACC isn’t good enough anymore. A top-four spot in the CFP is the only thing that Tigers fans will appreciate now.
Will fans get what they want? Here’s a breakdown of the Clemson Tigers’ 2023 season preview.
The Offense
Clemson’s offense should get back on track this season. DJ Uiagalelei is no longer around. It’s Cade Klubnik’s team. Uiagalelei never had a great receiving core when in Clemson. So while he was horrible for Clemson, he wasn’t always put in the best situations.
The Tigers have plenty of highly regarded talent at receiver, but they’ve yet to shine. Beaux Collins averaged 17 yards per catch on 22 receptions, and Antonio Williams added 56 catches for 604 yards last year. Those two should be the top targets for Clemson this season, along with tight end Jake Briningstool.
They’ll also return Will Shipley as running back. He added 15 touchdowns on 1,182 yards rushing. Shipley also caught 38 passes. He’ll be the featured guy on the offense. Shipley will have the ball in his hands whenever the ball is close to the goal line.
Behind him is Phil Mafah, who is a much larger running back. He added 515 yards and four touchdowns last season. The ground game should be electric with Clemson. They just need to find balance with the passing game.
The Defense
The Clemson secondary didn’t show up against top-tier talent. That must change if Clemson wants a shot at the College Football Playoffs.
Clemson’s defensive line probably doesn’t compare to any other team in the ACC. Duke Orhorhoro and Tyler Davis should be dominant inside at defensive tackle. They can clog up the middle and also make plays against the quarterback.
Next to those big tackles include Xavier Thomas and Justin Mascoll. Don’t expect these guys to be Myles Murphy, but they have real potential to be significant playmakers on the defensive end.
At linebacker, Jeremiah Trotter and Barrett Carter will be the starters. Those two added over 160 tackles and 13 sacks. Wade Woodaz will take over for Trenton Simpson on the outside linebacker spot. Simpson is now with the Ravens.
Has the Secondary Improved?
However, the secondary is where the improvement needs to happen more drastically. Nate Wiggins broke up 12 passes last season but only had one interception. Sheridan Jones has just two interceptions and four broken-up passes in four years. Those two need to start piling up the interceptions more frequently.
R.J. Mickens led the team with three interceptions last year at safety. He’ll play alongside Jalyn Phillips and Andrew Mukuba, both terrific tacklers.
Another 10-Win Season For Clemson
The NCAAF odds have Clemson earning ten wins at -105 this season. Last year, the Tigers won 11 games and went undefeated in conference play.
Clemson will begin the season with a road matchup at Duke. That’s a win. Then they’ll face Charleson Southern (Week 2) and Florida Atlantic (Week 3) in back-to-back weeks. The Tigers would be 3-0 with a September 23 battle against Florida State (Week 4). At home, I like Clemson’s chances of defeating Florida State.
They’d be 4-0 with a road game against Syracuse (Week 5). That’ll be a closer matchup, but Clemson will escape. Then they’ll face Wake Forest (Week 6) and Miami (Week 8) in the next two games.
After two wins, Clemson would be 6-0 and bowl eligible. The Tigers will take on North Carolina State (Week 9) on the road. I’ll give them that one. Then they’ll take on Notre Dame (Week 10) at home. That will be another iconic game, but I still like Clemson’s chances at home.
The Tigers will face Georgia Tech (Week 11), North Carolina (Week 12), and South Carolina (Week 13) to finish the season. These Carolina teams will test Clemson, but ultimately, Clemson will likely be favored in every game.
The Pick
I’ve got Clemson going undefeated in the regular season. Give me the Over 10 at -105 for your NCAAF picks. After a two-year drought, the Tigers will likely earn a College Football Playoff berth.
NCAAF Pick: Clemson Over 10 (-105) at BetOnline
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