The Clemson Tigers lost to Ohio State in the CFP Semifinals 49-28, but they remain top offshore sportsbooks darlings. By its standards, that was a failure. That’s how high head coach Dabo Swinney has set to the bar.
The Tigers have to replace signal-caller Trevor Lawrence, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The offense must replace RB Trevor Etienne too. That’s three consecutive NFL Drafts with two Tigers players going in the first round. That is one year shy of the school record for four drafts in a row from 2014-17.
Swinney has produced 69 total draft picks since 2009, second only to Alabama’s Nick Saban. Despite such a high turnover, the Tigers just keep on reloading. Clemson has 10 straight seasons with 10 or more wins. There is a lot of confidence at the best online sportsbooks that an 11th straight double- digit winning season is in store.
Looking at Clemson’s schedule, they have a neutral-site game at Bank of America Stadium on Sept. 4 against Georgia to start off the season. After a tune-up outing against FCS South Carolina State on Sept. 11, they host Georgia Tech in the ACC opening game.
PRESEASON BEST BET: OVER 11.5 WINS +100 2021
CLEMSON TIGERS SCHEDULE
- 09/04/2021 – vs. Georgia
- 09/11/2021 – vs. South Carolina State
- 09/18/2021 – vs. Georgia Tech
- 09/25/2021 – at N.C. State
- 10/02/2021 – vs. Boston College
- 10/15/2021 – at Syracuse
- 10/23/2021 – at Pittsburgh
- 10/30/2021 – vs. FSU
- 11/06/2021 – at Louisville
- 11/13/2021 – vs. UConn
- 11/20/2021 – vs. Wake Forest
- 11/27/2021 – at South Carolina
WIN TOTAL ODDS: Over 11.5 +100 Under 11.5 -125
CLEMSON ODDS TO WIN 2021 ACC CHAMPIONSHIP (-835)
They might not face a stiff challenge until their first true away game against North Carolina State. They have had issues at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh before. For example, one of the biggest upsets ever, when the No. 7 Tigers lost 37-13 to the Wolfpack on November 19, 2011.
The game between these two programs is called the Textile Bowl. The Tigers have won eight meetings in a row since that upset in 2011. But there have been close calls, including a 38-31 Clemson win on November 4, 2017. As well as a 24-17 OT win on October 15, 2016 in Death Valley.
Following a home date with Boston College, and a bye week, another potential test might be on Friday, October 15 at Syracuse. Top offshore sportsbooks don’t expect the Orange to be good. But there’s something to be said about a full house at the Carrier Dome.
Consider for instance that a mediocre Orange team on October 13, 2017, a 27-24 won over then No. 2 Clemson. There was also a close call at Death Valley the next year. But the last two meetings have been abattoirs.
Trips to Pittsburgh and Louisville bookend a home date with Florida State, a team that should be much better. Wake Forest comes to visit, and then the Tigers close the season on the road against South Carolina. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see an unbeaten regular season. Neither Miami, North Carolina nor Notre Dame appear on their schedule.
2021 ACC Betting Odds CLEMSON ODDS TO WIN 2021-22 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF (+300)
We have spent much time talking about offense. It might be the defense which helps this team return to the playoff. Clemson had 46 sacks and 14 interceptions in 2020. The Tigers return every player responsible for those stats. They were in the Top 20 in scoring defense. They will be there again as well.
CLEMSON 2021 HEISMAN CONTENDERS and ODDS
| CONTENDERS | Odds |
|---|---|
| D.J. UIAGALELEI | +700 |
| JUSTYN ROSS | +6600 |
New starting quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei is a Heisman hopeful according to top offshore sportsbooks.
