The Clemson Tigers, one of the most popular teams over the last five years, finished the 2020 season with a 10-2 overall record, going 9-1 in the ACC. That loss didn’t deter them from winning the ACC and making the College Football Playoffs for the sixth consecutive time. Head coaching phenom Dabo Swinney has set expectations high for this season, even with the loss of superstar QB Trevor Lawrence.
Lawrence isn’t the only big player that will be missing from the lineup this season. RB Trevor Etienne also entered the NFL draft and now plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars along with Lawrence. These departures haven’t changed the expectations for the Tigers this season though, Clemson still expects to have a successful season in 2021.
Clemson Tigers Futures Betting Lines
Clemson Tiger National Champions Odds: +350
Clemson Tiger Conference Champions Odds: -833
Clemson Tiger Win Total Odds: Over 11.5 (+100), Under 11.5 (-125)
Clemson Tiger To Make The College Football Playoffs Odds: Yes (-200) No (+200)
College Football Betting Lines
The Clemson Tigers are in essentially the same position as the Alabama Crimson Tide, not needing to rebuild but revamping is necessary. The Tigers have done well to turn quarterbacks into superstars (i.e., Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence), so don’t expect a decline in their offense.
Their first game is against Georgia, which will be a good litmus test to see how their season turns out. That makes the win total one of the best bets to make on the Tigers going over; aside from Georgia, Clemson has a beneficial schedule. The National Champions’ odds are also an attractive bet, as Clemson got close last year but could make an even better run this year.
Without a doubt, you should take the -200 that the Tigers will make the College Football Playoffs. There’s no way Dabo Swinney doesn’t lead them to the playoffs this season.
Clemson Tigers Offseason Grade: B-
Key Additions: (Jihaad Campbell, DE) (Toriano Pride, DB) (Sherrod Covil, DB) (Robert Gunn, K)
Key Departures: (Trevor Lawrence, QB) (Trevor Etienne, RB) (Amari Rodgers, WR)
The Clemson Tigers had a strange offseason, as their entire draft class came from the offensive side of the ball, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. With the defense remaining somewhat intact, the Tigers can focus on developing the players that remained on offense from last season. One of these players is new starting quarterback D.J Uiagalelei, who has +700 odds to win the Heisman Trophy this year.
Uiagalelei stepped in when Lawrence was out and posted a comeback win over Boston College and a near loss to Notre Dame but still threw for over 400 yards. There are some concerns surrounding the Tigers offensive line, which stems from last season. However, the coaching staff at Clemson has likely addressed it over the offseason.
Clemson Tigers Preview 2021
The Tigers look to be a promising team heading into the 2021 season, even with the departure of some offensive talent. The players behind them are well-equipped to take on a light schedule this year, and they already have a Heisman hopeful at the helm. Recruit defensive end, Jihaad Campbell, will be a menace on the defensive line and bring some tenacity to the Tigers’ defense.
They have a big game against Georgia for the first game of the season, so we’ll be able to see how ready they are from the beginning. Aside from that first game, though, the Clemson Tigers likely won’t have a loss on their record for the remainder of the season.
Clemson Tigers Futures Best Bets
The Clemson Tigers are in good shape to win the ACC again this year, so taking them -833 is a strong bet. The win total at 11.5 is another solid choice, considering the game they’d be in danger of losing is against Georgia, but if they win, they’ll likely go undefeated. Don’t be afraid to place a bet on the Tigers winning the National Championship either. They’re the strongest team in the ACC, and Dabo Swinney expects big things from this group.
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