Clemson Football: 2020 Tigers considered way-too-early favorites

Despite the setback in the National Championship game, the Clemson football program is considered the way-too-early favorite the 2020 season.

The Clemson football team came up short in the National Championship game against the LSU Tigers, but that doesn’t mean it will be the last time we see Dabo Swinney’s program competing for the golden scepter.

Despite the setback in the National Championship, Clemson football is considered the favorite in the way-too-early CFB title odds that were released this week following the game.

Here’s a look at the most notable teams in terms of odds heading into the 2020 season.

• Clemson +200
• Alabama +400
• LSU +450
• Ohio State +700
• Georgia +1000
• Florida +1500
• Auburn +2200
• Oklahoma +2200
• Texas +2500

Thoughts:

There’s a reason Clemson football is heavily favored coming into next season. The Tigers will return QB Trevor Lawrence, as well WRs Justyn Ross and Amari Rodgers. Though they’ll have to replace four starters on the offensive line, there’s no reason to expect any drop-off from that offense.

Defensively, Clemson will return basically its entire defensive line- with the addition of some star-studded freshmen. Though the Tigers will lose some talent in the secondary, there’s plenty of skill behind those guys that could likely be just as strong as it was this previous season.

Interestingly enough, Alabama and LSU are listed as No. 2 and No. 3. Both programs return some pieces, but won’t have a proven commodity at quarterback. LSU will lose Joe Burrow, who put up historic numbers all season long.

In my opinion, Ohio State should likely be that No. 2 team behind Clemson at this point. The Buckeyes lose a ton of seniors, but they have recruited well and will return Justin Fields at quarterback.

After those four programs, the only other one that could potentially make a jump would be Georgia. The Bulldogs have some defensive talent and have been recruiting at a high level to potentially bolster themselves into the next level. That being said, the rest of the teams would be an absolute surprise at this point.

Don’t expect Florida, Auburn, Oklahoma or Texas to come anywhere close to sniffing a National Championship. Oklahoma may get to the playoff, but that’s as far as the Sooners will go until something changes defensively.