One of the tests of a team’s schedule is the number of ranked teams. How many matchups will Clemson football have with ranked opponents in 2018?
Many Clemson football fans became worried when they saw the 2018 schedule because there wasn’t hardly any ranked opponents to be found on it.
While the schedule may line up favorably for the Tigers, there certainly are some interesting matchups.
I also believe there’s a chance for some surprise teams to make a run at the top-25 before it’s all said and done.
So, when counting, how many ranked teams are on the Tigers’ schedule?
Here’s a look at the 2018 Clemson football schedule:
- vs. Furman
- @ Texas A&M
- vs. Georgia Southern
- @ Georgia Tech
- vs. Syracuse
- @ Wake Forest
- vs. NC State
- @ Florida State
- vs. Louisville
- @ Boston College
- vs. Duke
- vs. South Carolina
Possible Ranked Opponents:
Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, NC State, Florida State, Boston College, South Carolina.
There’s a total of six teams that could be ranked, in my opinion, before the season is over. When the Tigers play Texas A&M, I believe the Aggies will be ranked at least in the 20’s. Georgia Tech may not found itself in the top-25 rankings at all, but the Yellow Jackets always seem to surprise people when analysts are down on them.
NC State, in my opinion, lost too much to be a top-25 team this year.
Florida State will be a top-15 team. They return their starting quarterback, whichever they decide to go with, and have a new coach with Willie Taggart. Taggart will have them playing hurry-up-no-huddle offense, which will make them a tougher threat.
I still don’t think the Seminoles, especially with what they’re losing and their offensive line, have what it takes to be a top-7-esque team, but I have no doubt they will be ranked.
Boston College and South Carolina both look much improved this season. I think there’s a good chance the Gamecocks start out ranked and, if they do, it should be fairly easy to stay in the top-25 playing in the SEC East. Boston College has a physical running game and is my dark horse to finish second or third in the ACC Atlantic.
Next: Redshirt Report 2017: Matt Bockhorst
Overall, this schedule isn’t quite as easy as some may make it out to be.
There are some solid teams are there, but I think Clemson football is just too superior in talent. The Tigers are set up for an 11-1 or 12-0 type season assuming health and it should be a fun year to be a Tiger fan.