Clemson’s non-conference opponent for Sept. 19 likely set, according to reports
Clemson football fans have been wondering who the Tigers might play on Sept. 19 and it seems they may have their answer, according to the latest report.
Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney told the media earlier in fall camp that the Tigers would likely play either The Citadel or Akron in their open non-conference slot, but new that both the MAC- where Akron plays- and the SoCon- where The Citadel plays- were canceling their fall seasons with an eye on playing in the spring created intrigue about what the Tigers might be able to do.
As part of the SoCon’s announcement, the conference also said that football teams could still play up to four non-conference games this fall if they so chose to.
The State’s Matt Connolly reported Friday morning that The Citadel is expecting to play four non-conference games and one of those will be against Clemson.
"“The Citadel athletic director Mike Capaccio told The State in an email Friday morning, “We are investigating and at this time do plan to play a 4 game schedule.”Capaccio added that he does expect one of those games to be Clemson,” the report from Connolly said."
Connolly also reported that while Wofford isn’t expected to pursue playing options in the fall, Furman is currently considering options to still play up to four games.
Clemson will likely play The Citadel; and the Bulldogs will get a payday from the match-up
Clemson’s previous deal with The Citadel included a $450,000 payout.
While the match-up won’t create a lot of intrigue in terms of competition, it will give the Tigers another opportunity to get on the field and to build depth with some of those young freshmen and sophomores who have little game experience.
We should expect something official to come out over the course of the next week or so when The Citadel makes its final decision, but this was looking like the most likely option for quite a while now and with the Bulldogs’ plan to play four games, it basically should be counted upon.