Absolutely nobody!
I’m joking, I’m joking. Not trying to jinx the season this early… While 12-0 is a real possibility, this is a young team, at least offensively. So inexperience can come into play. If the Tigers are to trip up this regular season, these are teams that could do it.
Georgia
This is the obvious one and it comes first game of the season on September 4th in Charlotte, NC. Clemson is a 3.5 point favorite right now, but I would expect to see that number get closer as the game approaches. It is the first game for both teams, so there could be some sloppiness. And it could also be a future CFP match-up. Bulldog quarterback J.T. Daniels is primed for a big season and I see him as a dark horse Heisman candidate. The Tigers stellar defensive line will need to pressure Daniels into some mistakes, if they want to win in Week 1. Clemson hasn’t lost a season opener since 2014 against Georgia in Athens and the Bulldogs haven’t lost a season opener since 2013 against Clemson in Death Valley. So a neutral site game is the perfect spot for a rubber match.
NC State
In week 4, the Tigers take a trip to Raleigh, NC, which is no easy place to play. The crowd is right up on the field and they are guaranteed to be loud. Couple that with a potential 3-0 start for NC State and it will make for a rowdy atmosphere. Quarterback Devin Leary is coming off an injury last season for the Wolfpack and could be a breakout star in the ACC this year. D.J. Uiagalelei will need to take some shots downfield and test this NC State secondary, as it is the weakest part of their defense.
Louisville
I debated between Louisville in Week 10 or Boston College in Week 5, but Louisville seems like the bigger threat to me. Besides the Tigers having to travel to Louisville as opposed to getting the Eagles at home, I don’t see Clemson letting Boston College hang around like they did last year (even though that was impacted by Trevor Lawrence having to sit out on short notice.) Plus, Malik Cunningham is an electric playmaker and has the skills to go off on any given night.
I fully expect the Tigers to win the ACC again and be back in the College Football Playoff, but it will not be an easy road. I don’t see Clemson losing more than one of these three games. But as long the loss is to Georgia and the Tigers capture the ACC title, they should be in for another trip to the Playoff.
