The Clemson football team begins its trek towards a repeat Thursday evening against Georgia Tech. Here are the three most crucial games for the Tigers.
After another National Championship win for Clemson football in 2019 led by the Trio of Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, and Tee Higgins, here are the three games that are most crucial to their success in the search for another championship trophy.
This does not mean they will lose these games, but these are the teams I believe will give Clemson football a run for their money.
1. Texas A&M, Predicted Final Score: 28-21
The 2019 Clemson football schedule only has two ranked opponents in No. 12 Texas A&M and No. 22 Syracuse currently on its slate. So naturally, they have to prove they can handle those two teams in hopes of making the College Football Playoff.
With another year in Jimbo Fisher’s system, expect QB Kellen Mond to come out of the game firing. Don’t expect to see much in the running game due to a starting running back in Jashaun Corbin, who only has 61 attempts for 346 yards and a touchdown in his career.
2. Syracuse, Final Score: 35-34
Coming right behind Clemson in 2018 was Syracuse with a record of 10-3. The Orange return a bunch of talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and that leads me to believe they’ll have the greatest chance of beating Clemson in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
After averaging 202.1 rushing yards per game, it not be a surprise to see Clemson struggle with the loss of Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence and Clelin Ferrell. I still believe the Tigers will come out on top, but Syracuse will give them a run for their money.
3. North Carolina State, Final Score: 35-27
While their record does not suggest that they have any chance of beating the 2019 Clemson football team, the game was only decided by a touchdown the last time the Tigers went up to Carter-Finley Stadium. I expect this to be the same case this season.
It will come down to the wire and may very well be a situation like a few years ago when the game was decided by a field goal.
Even with starting QB Ryan Finley being drafted in the NFL, I still see NC State being one of the toughest teams on the 2019 Clemson football schedule, especially with what the Wolfpack bring back on the defensive side of the ball.