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Clemson Football heavily favored over Kent State

By Anthony Messenger

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 03: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers reacts during the second half against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 03: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers reacts during the second half against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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With the season opener just six days away, lets take a dive into the early odds for Clemson football’s matchup with Kent State.

The Clemson football program lost a host of talent and leadership to the NFL last season. As such, the Tigers will be counting on first-time starters at multiple positions entering 2017. Opening the season with Kent State gives these inexperienced players a chance to get their feet wet before squaring off with Auburn on September, 9th.

Yes, Clemson is inexperienced, however, they are still supremely talented. The odds makers understand this as well, which is why SportsBookReview.com currently lists Clemson as 38 point favorites over the Golden Flashes.

Thoughts

It’s dangerous to underestimate an opponent, especially a MAC opponent. Over the past five seasons teams from the MAC have knocked off their fare share of Power Five programs. That being said, this is a game that Clemson should win.

The Golden Flashes just don’t matchup well with the Tigers. In 2016, Kent State ranked 103rd in the country in sacks allowed with 34 on the year. Clemson – who returns nearly their entire starting defensive line – ranked 3rd in the country in sacks with 49. The Tigers also held opponents to a mere 18 points per game last season.

I expect the Tigers’ front seven to completely stifle this Kent State offense. Running the football will be nearly impossible with Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins in the middle; as will keeping a clean pocket with Brent Venables exotic blitz packages.

Offensively, Clemson has enough fire power to accommodate whichever quarterback is in the game. Deon Cain, Hunter Renfrow and Ray-Ray McCloud lead the way for the Tigers’ deep arsenal of weapons.

Next: Texas A&M writer thinks Swinney could still be an Aggie

As we inch closer to game day, I will provide more updates on the odds for Clemson’s matchup with Kent State. What are your thoughts on the current over/under? Should Clemson be such heavy favorites?

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