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Clemson football: Most important games of 2022

By Casey Cregan

Sep 11, 2021; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers safety Ray Thornton III (16) runs down the hill prior to the game against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers safety Ray Thornton III (16) runs down the hill prior to the game against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2022; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head football coach Mario Cristobal reacts while hyping up the crowd during the second half between the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida State Seminoles at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2022; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head football coach Mario Cristobal reacts while hyping up the crowd during the second half between the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida State Seminoles at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

5. vs. Miami 11/19 – Week 11

The Hurricanes will invade Death Valley towards the end of the season and I see this as the fifth most important game of the season.  The Hurricanes have a ton of off-season hype with their hire of Mario Cristobal from Oregon and he has hired some really top assistants.  Match that up with Tyler Van Dyke at quarterback and athletes all over the field and Miami looks to be a daunting match-up for the Tigers.

Truth be told, I am not high on Miami year one, but by week 11, things will likely be decided as far as just how good they are.  And Clemson too for that matter.

Lots of unknown with the Hurricanes, but national “pundits” believe that because they hired a coach with minimal success on the actual field of play, that they will somehow take over the ACC.  They do have the quarterback people believe will be very good after last season’s 2931 yards with 25 touchdowns to only 6 interceptions.

Will Mallory is back as a pass-catching tight end and will likely be a huge target for Van Dyke.  Running back will likely be Jaylan Knighton.  Knighton had 561 yards a season ago, but will likely carry more of the load in ‘22.

Defensively, I think we’re looking at a wait and see, with a lot of turnover and a completely new defensive staff led by Coordinator Kevin Steele, a name Clemson fans love to hate.

Miami should have itself figured out by week 11 and that is why this is my 5th most important game of the 2022 season.

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