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Clemson Football: What’s the toughest game on the Tigers’ schedule?

By Shawn Spencer

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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What’s the toughest game on the 2018 Clemson football schedule? Let’s take a look at ESPN’s FPI to measure it today as our spring analysis continues.

The 2018 Clemson football season is around five months away from kickoff.

Between now and then we will have seen a spring game, experienced spring showers and pollen, melted away in 100+ degree weather, and taken our summer vacation trips to the beach and the mountains as Tiger fans.

That being said, it’s still fun to look ahead at what is to come when the boys of fall don the orange in Death Valley.

Today, instead of going by the eye test, let’s take a look at what metrics have to say about what Clemson football’s toughest game will be.

ESPN FPI:

When looking at the schedule, I think the casual bystander could pick out the two toughest games at a glance: @ Texas A&M and @Florida State.

The Tigers are heavily favored, according to ESPN’s FPI, in every single game this season. The FPI, interestingly enough, gives Clemson football the least percentage chance to win in the Texas A&M game, where the Tigers hold just a 75.7 percent chance to win.

I know, it’s crazy right?

Heading into this season, you are favored to win every single game by a 75.7 chance or more. I can understand why the FPI has the game against the Aggies slightly ahead of Florida State (76.3), but I still believe that the late-October match up with the Seminoles in Tallahassee will be the toughest game of the year.

It’s been pretty much proven that the FPI overvalues SEC teams and I don’t think this is an exception. I think the Aggies are good enough for 8-9 wins, but I believe we could see right around the same, if not better, from a Florida State program with new life.

Next: Brannon Spector a gem in the 2019 recruiting class

We will analyze each of these games more in-depth as we head into the off season.

What do you think, Clemson football fans? Comment below with your early thoughts on the 2018 schedule.

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