The biggest winners from the updated 2020 Clemson football schedule
The 2020 Clemson football schedule, along with the rest of the country, has been updated and changed drastically due to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic.
The ACC announced earlier this week that it would follow a 10 conference game schedule with a ‘plus one model’ but the next day the SEC announced that it would only play 10 conference games, effectively putting an end to the in-state rivalry games between the two conferences.
As we look at the 2020 Clemson football schedule, it has become apparent that there are three big winners from the changes.
Here’s a look at three biggest winners.
3. Louisville Cardinals
We’ll start our list by saying that the Louisville Cardinals are a big winner from the schedule changes.
Louisville was previously scheduled to come to Death Valley early in the season. Now, the Cardinals will miss Clemson football altogether.
In a year where Louisville could potentially be ranked, the last thing the Cardinals need is a guaranteed loss on their schedule. They don’t have that now with their 10 ACC games coming against teams that aren’t named Clemson or North Carolina.
2. Dave Doeren
Dave Doeren may have been given a pass anyway simply because of the nature of 2020, but there’s no doubt that he’s on the hot seat in Raleigh.
N.C. State are tired of being mediocre and he’s been given ample time to turn things around and simply hasn’t done it to this point.
While Clemson and N.C. State typically compete every year for the Textile Bowl, the ACC magically removed the Tigers from the Wolfpack’s schedule this season with new model. It makes perfect sense, I know.
Doeren will miss his annual loss to Clemson and, as a result, may be able to salvage his job and earn another year in Raleigh.
1. Will Muschamp
And of course, the biggest winner from these scheduling changes is none other than South Carolina Head Coach Will Muschamp.
While Muschamp and South Carolina should be given credit because they were the only ones to lobby hard to keep the rivalry games, let’s not pretend that this doesn’t benefit Muschamp in the end.
Yes, South Carolina will still have to play 10 SEC games. But one of those losses won’t be to Clemson as the in-state rivalry has officially been put on hold.
It’s an absolute disgrace and no one in either fanbase seems happy about it, but you’ve got to think deep down inside, Will Muschamp has to be a bit relieved.