It’s February 1st, the ACC schedule is out and the “Clemson Schedule Bashing” has already begun. Check out some of the “brilliant” observations on social media.
“Maybe Clemson needs to join a conference so their schedule wouldn’t be such garbage”
“Weak Schedule for Clemson”
“Clemson’s schedule is quite weak. They should really consider joining a conference”
“Clemson will be on a bye before playing at Notre Dame on Nov.5. It would also be absolutely shocking if Clemson wasn’t 8-0 coming to South Bend considering the schedule”
This is just the beginning. There used to be a time when everyone hated Alabama. Now, that falls to Clemson. I honestly think Dabo loves it. 2021 was a “down year” for Clemson. Going 10-3, NOT making the College Football Playoffs, and NOT playing for the ACC Championship is going to give Dabo and the Tigers that motivation and incentive to get back in the hunt.
The schedule was just released and Clemson’s does not include #1 Georgia in the first game of the year like it did last year. The out of conference games include Furman, Louisiana Tech, Notre Dame and rival USC. Let’s be honest, Furman and Louisiana Tech are not Georgia and Alabama. Everyone knows that. Then again, neither are Georgia State, SC State and Charlotte, the three non-conference opponents of USC in 2022.
The ACC as a conference still has a lot to prove. ACC Champion Pitt lost to Michigan State 31-21 in the Peach Bowl. Caveat —- starting QB and Heisman Trophy finalist Kenny PIckett decided not to play to prepare for the NFL draft. Difference maker? Absolutely.
Virginia Tech went up against Maryland without their starting quarterback Braxton Burmeister who decided to enter the transfer portal. VT lost 54-10. Could Burmeister have made a difference? Absolutely.
Clemson and Wake Forest were the only two victorious ACC teams in the bowl season. Virginia, Miami, and Boston College had to withdraw from their bowl games due to Covid-19. NC State was in California to play UCLA in the Holiday Bowl, but two hours before the game, UCLA had Covid issues and pulled out of the game.
Looking at Clemson’s schedule, there are some daunting games that people will just not give the proper respect.
NC State returns a solid team that finished ranked 20th in the final polls. The Wolfpack pulled out a double OT win in Raleigh last year and brings back most of their team. This game will more than likely decide the Atlantic Division Championship. QB Devon Leary threw for over 3400+ yards, 35 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
Wake Forest brings back a ton of players as well after finishing the 2021 season ranked 15th in the final polls. QB Sam Hartman returns to lead the WF offense, passing for over 4200+ yards, 39 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. This team can score, but the defense is suspect.
The Miami Hurricanes are looking to get into the ACC picture after ending 2021 on a high note. The Canes won five of their last six, including a big win over the Pittsburgh Panthers and look to finally be competitive for the Coastal Division Championship. Sophomore QB Tyler Van Dyke took over in the 2nd game of the season and returns after throwing for over 2900+ yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions. New Coach Mario Cristobal has ignited the fan base and expectations are high.
Notre Dame is, well, Notre Dame and the Tigers will go on the road to play the Irish in South Bend. Head Coach Brian Kelly has left for the riches of the SEC and defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman was named the new head coach. QB Jack Coan is gone, as is RB Kyren Williams. There is some retooling to do, but, it’s still Notre Dame who finished ranked 8th in the final polls.
Florida State had an up and down season in 2021, and return a lot of pieces that could vault them to a successful 2022. Return QB Jordan Travis took over the last four games of the season, and led FSU to a 2-2 record with losses to Clemson and Florida. He is a dangerous runner as well, rushing for over 500 yards. FSU is not going to be an easy out for anyone.
Boston College returns quarterback Phil Jurkovec, and when healthy, a dangerous weapon. His main weapon, Zay Flowers, also returns after hauling in 44 receptions for 746 yards and five touchdowns. His stats were a little down as Jurkovec missed six games due to injury.
The Syracuse Orangemen are not going to scare anyone, but they do have weapons that need to be addressed. QB Garrett Shrader returns after throwing for over 1400+ yards, 9 touchdowns and four interceptions as well as rushing for 781 yards and 14 touchdowns. Sophomore running back Sean Tucker rushed for 1,496 yards and 12 touchdowns, and has to be planned for.
Louisville has one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country in Malik Cunningham. All he did was pass for 2,941 yards and 19 touchdowns, and rush for 1,031 yards and 20 touchdowns. He is probably the toughest quarterback in the league to defend as he is a threat through the air and on the ground. The Cardinals lost to the Air Force 31-28 in the First Responder Bowl. Look for Cunningham to create havoc on any defense.
Georgia Tech is still in the rebuilding stage. It didn’t help when top running back Jahmyr Gibbs decided to transfer to Alabama. It’s going to be a few years before Coach Geoff Collins will continue to recruit away from the triple option offense that was a GT mainstay for years.
The last game of the regular season brings USC (not the real one) to Death Valley for the first time since 2018. The last two games were in Columbia with USC backing out of the game two years ago due to Covid. The Gamecocks have chosen to retool their team using the transfer portal. Starting QB Spencer Rattler came in from Oklahoma after losing his job to a freshman. The running back group in 2022 hails from Columbia University, Wake Forest and Georgia.
People will continue to claim the ACC is weak but when you dig down into the teams, there is a lot of talent on the teams on the Clemson schedule and the Tigers have their work cut out for them. The last four games of the season will not be easy by any stretch. The Tigers end the season at Notre Dame, and three straight home games against Miami, Louisivlle and South Carolina. It’s going to be a fun season.
