Predictions Favor Clemson—but Doubts Linger
Clemson (1–3) heads to Chapel Hill this Saturday in desperate need of its first ACC win, and national analysts believe the Tigers will finally deliver. CBS Sports’ experts have Clemson not only beating North Carolina but also covering the 13.5-point spread—something the Tigers haven’t done yet this season.
Jerry Hummer predicted Clemson would “win the lines of scrimmage and finally look more like themselves” in a 38–20 victory, while Chip Crawford picked a 27–10 Tigers win but wondered aloud if Dabo Swinney’s group has the focus to back it up.
Elsewhere, Pete Fiutak of College Football News forecast a 31–16 Tigers win, citing Clemson’s ability to grind out yards after the bye week. Bleacher Report picked Clemson to win, 31–20, but not cover. Athlon’s panel was unanimous: Clemson gets a much-needed ACC road victory.
Roster Shake-Up: Shelton Lewis on the Move
While analysts project a rebound, Clemson’s roster took a hit this week. Defensive back Shelton Lewis, a junior with 27 career appearances, is reportedly--first reported by Larry Willams of TigerIllustrattleaving the program with plans to transfer after the season.
Lewis, who has seven tackles and a pass breakup this year, was once hailed by corners coach Mike Reed as a fiery leader and promising piece of Clemson’s secondary. His departure trims an already thin group, removing a reliable depth option as Clemson tries to claw back into the ACC race.
The Harsh National Label: ‘Biggest Disappointment’
Adding fuel to Clemson’s mounting frustrations, national outlets have labeled the Tigers college football’s biggest disappointment. Once a trendy pick to make the College Football Playoff, Clemson is unranked with its worst start in over two decades.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik, once projected as a top NFL draft pick, has already thrown nearly as many interceptions as all last season and ranks just 12th in the ACC in passing yards. Meanwhile, a defense that was supposed to carry this team has failed to dominate as expected.
Even Swinney admits the struggles fall squarely on the staff:
“From a big picture standpoint, it’s just been a coaching failure, honestly. We have just failed as coaches. When players don’t play to their potential, to me, that’s coaches.”
Still, there’s talent on the roster—Antonio Williams returned from injury against Syracuse, and defensive cornerstones Peter Woods and Aveion Terrell have continued to shine. The question now: will Saturday in Chapel Hill be the turning point, or just another chapter in a lost season?