The 2020 Clemson football schedule, ranked by difficulty
The 2020 Clemson football schedule was officially announced Thursday morning and the Tigers are now officially working through fall camp with expectation of opening up their season in a little more than a month from now.
As we prepare for the start of the Clemson football season, Rubbing the Rock will be providing complete coverage and analysis of fall camp and everything in between as we countdown the days to a hopeful kickoff.
Here’s a look at the 2020 Clemson football schedule, ranked by difficulty and we’ll start off with the easiest opponent, not counting the non-conference game that is currently TBD.
10. @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Clemson was originally supposed to open up the season on the road at Georgia Tech and while this game will be played a little later, the Yellow Jackets are still at the bottom of the list in terms of ACC opponents.
It’s not to say that Georgia Tech is just flat-out bad because the Yellow Jackets are moving in the right direction, but they’re not there yet.
Georgia Tech will take steps forward this season, but this should still be a rather convincing win for the Tigers.
9. vs. Syracuse Orange
The next game in our rankings is Syracuse. The Orange lost their two leading pass-rushers from last year’s defense and the offense isn’t looking all that promising either.
This is going to be a rough year for Dino Babers and it won’t be an easier when they come to Death Valley in late October.
8. vs. Boston College Eagles
Another team that is in rebuilding is the Boston College Eagles. The Eagles will be without A.J. Dillon, but I still think they have some physicality up front and some promise when it comes to incoming skill position players that they can at least be competitive near the bottom of the ACC.
7. @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Clemson football will open up the season against Wake Forest on Saturday, Sept. 12.
Dave Clawson has done an excellent job building this Demon Deacons program, but the loss of Jamie Newman certainly is going to set the offense back. Wake Forest seems like a solid 6-4 team, in my opinion, but opening up the season against Clemson just is tough luck.
6. vs. Virginia Cavaliers
The Virginia Cavaliers are the next team to make our list. Though Virginia loses QB Bryce Perkins- who was basically their entire offense- the Cavs return some key pieces on their defense and still have a ton of talent.
In a typical year, UVA would still be considered one of those competitors for the ACC Coastal Division and the Cavs still look poised to win some games and have some success this season.
5. vs. Florida State Seminoles
Florida State is the next team to make our list and, honestly, I’m a little conflicted having them this high.
The Seminoles might not deserve to be ahead of Virginia or Wake Forest, but when you look at the talent on places outside of the offensive line, you could see them getting it together and that’s why we have them fifth.
4. vs. Miami Hurricanes
Miami should finally have a quarterback with D’Eriq King taking over as the starter. With a QB and another year with Manny Diaz- who the jury is still out on- it will be interesting to see what the Hurricanes can accomplish.
3. vs. Pittsburgh Panthers
Pittsburgh may be one of the most underrated teams in the ACC coming into this year. Yes, they have some questions, but they also bring back a decent amount of talent that could make them legitimate contenders for that No. 4 spot in the ACC.
2. @ Virginia Tech Hokies
Virginia Tech, in my opinion, is in that same tier as Pitt. But the game in Blacksburg will take place in December in the cold. That’s going to be- in and of itself- a major challenge.
1. @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Leading off our list, of course, is the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame is ranked No. 10 in the nation coming into the season by the Coaches’ Poll and this game will be on the road in November. We very well could see a rematch of Clemson-Notre Dame just a month after this match-up depending on what happens the rest of the season.
What do you think, Clemson football fans? Comment below with the games you’re most excited to see this season on the new schedule.