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2024 Clemson Tigers Football Predictions and Betting Odds

by Joey House - 8/26/2024

Clemson Tigers football predictions Cade Klubnik

2023 record: 9-4 SU, 6-7 ATS

PPG: 29.8 (52nd of 133)

Opp PPG: 21.1 (31st of 133)

Head Coach: Dabo Swinney (170-43 in 16 seasons)

Clemson 2024 Reg. Season Wins Over 9 -115/Under 9 -105

Make 2024-2025 CFP +175

Win Nation Title +4000

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Clemson Football 2023 Recap

While I'm sure the Tiger Nation rejoiced over Florida State's demise in Ireland this past weekend, the Clemson faithful know exactly how the Seminoles feel. Clemson was humiliated on the national stage a calendar year ago, losing as a 13-point favorite to fellow ACC foe Duke in prime time on Labor Day night. Even though the Tigers lost three more games throughout the season, each loss was a one-possession affair. They also had two Top 25 wins over Notre Dame and North Carolina and a shootout victory in the Gator Bowl against Kentucky. With 14 starters returning, many feel venerable head coach Dabo Swinney is primed for a deep postseason run in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.

Clemson Offense (9 returning starters)

Swinney knows how to recruit quarterback talent. The line of succession went from Trevor Lawernce to D.J. Uiagalelei to Cade Klubnik, all of whom were the top-rated QBs of their recruiting class. Klubnik's first year was successful by anyone else's standards (he threw over 2,800 yards with 19 TDs and nine INTs), but Lawrence winning a National Championship in his first season set a standard to live up to. With a full year under his belt, Klubnik will be one of the leading QBs in the ACC. Clemson returns their leading rusher, Phil Mafah, and his 965 yards of rushing and 13 TDs. He won't have to split carries with Will Shipley this year and should see a dramatic increase in yards. The receiving corps is very deep and talented, making the Tigers' aerial attack much more potent. The offensive line loses its starting center and backup guard, and with 106 career starts returning, they will be able to pave the way for a strong ground game and protect their quarterback from sacks.

Clemson Defense (5 returning starters)

Clemson's defense in 2023 was good by the national standard but subpar by the Tigers' lofty expectations. They had a Top-10 defense in total yards allowed but were only 31st in the country in scoring defense. There was a great deal of turnover after last season. However, with five returning starters, there is cautious optimism that the stop squad for the 2024 campaign will put up improved numbers. Up front, they must replace all four starting defensive linemen but have two Freshman All-Americans and overall have solid depth, which is crucial over the long, grinding season. The linebacking corps loses 2nd-team All-American Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. but returns their second-leading tackler Barrett Carter and adds highly touted freshman LB Sammy Brown, who could come in and make an immediate impact. The secondary loses one full-time starter from a defensive backfield with the 6th-best unit against the pass in 2023, allowing just 158 yards per game. While it'll be tough to match their stats from last season, with the quality players they have, Clemson's secondary should put up comparable pass-defense numbers.

Clemson Schedule

In true Dabo Swinney fashion, Clemson doesn't shy away from challenging nonconference competition. They open up in Atlanta versus the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in the Aflac Kickoff. This one game gives them all the legitimacy they need when comparing record resumes later in the season. If they can win this, instead of talking about entry into the playoffs, pundits will be talking about home-field advantage for the Tigers. Besides their Thanksgiving weekend matchup against FCS The Citadel, Clemson plays Appalachian State and their traditional rivalry against South Carolina. The conference portion of the Tigers' schedule is challenging, too, as they are forced to travel to Florida State and then, at the tail end of the season, back-to-back weeks of going to Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh. Luckily for Clemson fans, these are the only actual road games this season, although this weekend's opener against Georgia will feel like a road game in Atlanta. The beauty of playing a demanding schedule is one (and maybe two) slip-ups don't automatically knock you out of playoff contention now that 12 teams are involved.

Predictions for Clemson

I like this Clemson team. They have enough experience returning at the skill positions to move the ball and score points and have enough talent on defense to shut down their opposition. The schedule has enough strength not to be laughable (yes, I'm looking at you, Liberty) while not being completely unmanageable, either. Even if they lose a close game to Georgia, the Tigers will still hold their destiny in their hands and as long as they take care of their business in conference, Clemson looks like a great bet at +175 to make the playoffs.

Clemson Football Game to Key On

Sept. 28th vs Stanford: Stanford got the short end of the stick, as their first two games in conference are both across the country (at Syracuse and then at Clemson). The Cardinal struggled mightily on both sides of the ball last year, averaging only 20.6 ppg on offense (112th out of 133) but giving up 37.7 ppg on defense (132nd of 133). Even though they should be a better team this year, moving into the ACC will be difficult for the boys from Palo Alto, and this game will prove that. I expect Clemson to be about a 17-point favorite and cover with ease.

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