Ricky Dimon
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Following a one-year hiatus from the College Football Playoff, is the Clemson Tigers’ roar ready to be restored? It’s quite possible. Although a 10-3 record was disappointing by Clemson’s lofty standards, it wasn’t all bad in 2021. Head coach Dabo Swinney’s squad ended the season on a six-game winning streak, so it has plenty of momentum heading into the 2022 campaign.
College football is only a few weeks away, so it’s time to start looking ahead toward what could be in store on the gridiron this fall. Here is our breakdown of the Tigers, who are among the favorites to win it all.
Clemson Tigers 2022 college football season odds
Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Clemson National Championship odds
Clemson is +1000 to win the College Football Playoff. That has it as the fourth favorite behind Alabama (+175), Ohio State (+300) and Georgia (+400).
Clemson ACC Championship odds
The Tigers are -120 favorites to triumph in the ACC. No other team has better than +550 odds (Miami).
Clemson ACC Atlantic Division odds
Clemson is an overwhelming -240 favorite to take care of business in the Atlantic Division of the ACC. N.C. State comes in next at +550, followed by Wake Forest (+950).
Clemson odds to reach the College Football Playoff
The Tigers are +145 to be one of the four participants in the College Football Playoff (“no” is -175). Ohio State (-255), Alabama (-240) and Georgia (-110) are the other three teams with the best odds.
Clemson Tigers 2021 season recap
Trevor Lawrence left after the 2020 season, picked No. 1 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. But even without Lawrence walkin’ through that door, the Clemson dynasty – if you can call it that – was expected to continue. Coming off six consecutive trips to the College Football Playoff, they were ranked No. 2 in the preseason Coaches Poll and No. 3 by the AP. That certainly isn’t where they ended up. Clemson lost to Georgia 10-3 in its opener, dropped to 2-2 with an overtime setback at N.C. State and then fell to Pittsburgh 27-17. Just seven games in, the Tigers were saddled with three losses.
When the team easily could have mailed it in from there, instead it reeled off six straight victories – including a 20-13 defeat of Iowa State in the Cheez-It Bowl. DJ Uiagalelei finished with more interceptions (10) than touchdown passes (nine), but he also rushed for 308 yards and four scores.
Clemson Tigers 2022 college football season predictions
Uiagalelei will once again be the man under center, although he could be on a somewhat short leash with freshman Cade Klubnik in the fold. There is no reason why Uigalelei can’t succeed; he has all the physical tools to be a standout performer and he also has the supporting cast. Most of the receiving corps is back, including tight end Davis Allen. Five different guys led Clemson in single-game rushing yards last season and both Will Shipley and Kobe Pace return. As usual, there are no question marks on a defense that was eighth in the nation in yards allowed and second in scoring. A defensive line featuring Bryan Bresee, Myles Murphy, Tyler Davis and Xavier Thomas may be the nation’s best.
Best Bet: Clemson Tigers to make the College Football Playoff (+145)
When you consider that Ohio State (-255) has better odds than Alabama (-240) to make the College Football Playoff even though the Buckeyes (+300) are less likely than the Tide (+175) to win it all, you have to wonder why Clemson is only +145 to secure a semifinal spot. After all, the pathway to get there is of paramount importance. Ohio State has an easier road through the Big Ten than ‘Bama does through the SEC – hence the aforementioned odds. Clemson certainly has an easier road than its ACC counterparts.
Only three other ACC schools are ranked in the preseason Coaches Poll and none is higher than No. 13 (N.C. State). The Tigers play two of those three (Miami and Wake Forest) at home. Their non-conference slate features nothing more than Furman, Louisiana Tech and South Carolina. When you combine the schedule with the talent, a CFP berth should be expected.
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