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Clemson Football: Back-loaded schedule bodes well for the Tigers in 2018

By Anthony Messenger

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers calls a play during the first half of the 2016 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers calls a play during the first half of the 2016 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Unlike 2017, the Clemson football program faces a particularly back-heavy 2018 schedule. This will aid the Tigers who are sure to have inexperience in spots.

Coming into 2017, the only real question mark Clemson had was at quarterback. Even with an inexperienced starter in Kelly Bryant, the Tigers managed to finish the season 12-1 with a birth in the College Football Playoff.

While their record would suggest otherwise, Clemson faced a brutal schedule during the first half of the season. The Tigers faced the likes of Auburn, Louisville and Virginia Tech (all ranked at the time) within the first five weeks, with no bye.

Despite their success in 2017, there’s no doubt that Clemson is looking forward to easing their way into 2018.

2018 Schedule

Once again, Clemson will have to push through the first six weeks of the regular season, without a bye. That being said, they will face much lighter opponents to open the year.

Texas A&M, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest figure to be the Tigers stiffest competition during the early portion of the season. While all three are respectable opponents, Clemson is capable of defeating each of them by double-digits.

After their bye week in week seven, Clemson will face, NC State, Florida State and Louisville right out of the gate. I expect the Wolfpack to be the Tigers toughest competition in 2018, given their experience at quarterback and increasing talent level.

Clemson will also face South Carolina in their annual matchup. The Gamecocks will be one of the better opponents on the Tigers schedule this season, although it may not show on the scoreboard.

Why is this important for Clemson?

I am expecting their to be a quarterback battle that spills over into the fall this season. Much like Alabama in 2018, Clemson has an experienced starter who is lacking in certain areas as a passer. Different from ‘Bama, the Tigers have not one, but, two young quarterbacks with potential to open up the offense vertically.

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If indeed there is a quarterback battle, the Tigers will have the first six weeks of the season to get things figured out, similar to the battle between Deshaun Watson and Cole Stoudt in 2014.

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