#12 – Furman Paladins – 9/10 – Clemson, SC
Little Tidbit: Furman is actually the oldest in-state rival for the Tigers in football.
From Furman: Clay Hendrix announced today the hiring of Justin Roper as the Paladins’ new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Roper comes to Furman following two seasons at Holy Cross, where he served as offensive coordinator.
— SportsTalk Media Network (@sportstalksc) January 11, 2022
Led by Clay Hendrix in his 6th season, the Paladins had a rough 2021 (6-5; 4-4 Southern Conference). There is some talent on the roster, especially at the skill positions in order to make a run in the SoCon as well as the FCS, however, Clemson is not the SoCon NOR the FCS.
Furman comes into Death Valley for a 3:30 kickoff in early-September (week 2) having not played a game in 9 days as they open on Thursday 9/1 at home versus North Greenville. Clemson, on the other hand is playing just five days earlier versus Georgia Tech in Atlanta. I do not believe this will be an issue as the talent-gap between the two schools is massive. Therefore Furman enters the list as the 12th toughest game for Clemson.