There is a first time for everything. While the Clemson Tigers enter the second half of their season with a respectable 3-2 (2-1) record, they have yet to score more than 28 points in any of their games. This is a result of starting a true freshman at quarterback in Tait Reynolds with a new offensive coordinator in Chad Morris. That being said, Clemson is projected to put up some points on Saturday.
According to the FanDuel Sportsbook, Clemson will be laying a gargantuan 42.5 points at home versus the Charleston Southern Buccaneers in Week 7. Granted, Charleston Southern is an FCS opponent. However, what have we ever seen out of the Clemson offense that leads us to believe the Tigers can beat anyone by more than 42 points? Its biggest margin of victory so far is only 15 points!
With the over/under set at 56.5, we are looking at a projected final score of Clemson 49.5, Charleston Southern 7. While Clemson's stingy defense could hold Charleston Southern to only a touchdown on Saturday, the idea that Morris' offense could put up a 50 burger on the Buccaneers is too far-fetched to get one's head around. Yes, it is against lesser competition, but this offense is a work in progress.
Tait Reynolds needs to have his first multi-touchdown game for Clemson
Although it is not out of the realm of possibility that Clemson puts forth its highest offensive output all season long, we did not see that at home versus Georgia Southern back in Week 2 either. Reynolds may be an emerging talent at quarterback, but he has one career passing touchdown. That came way back in Week 3 at home versus North Carolina. It has been nearly a month since Reynolds hit pay dirt.
Truth be told, how Reynolds performs may not matter in this game. Clemson has been able to score points in other ways besides the true freshman throwing for six points. Gideon Davidson has been a huge positive in the ground game. Bryant Wesco Jr. had a punt return for a touchdown at Cal. Nolan Hauser is only a kicker, but he has been one of the most reliable players in the country at his position.
In short, this opening betting line is only this sizable for one reason. The bookmakers want to get even money on both sides. Clemson may have a massive talent advantage over FCS Charleston Southern. However, points have been at a premium for this meager offense. Simply put, if Clemson cannot score 30 or more points in this game, the Tigers are not going to hit that mark this season.
Overall, these odds opening up late in the week tell us one thing in particular. Clemson has to come out of its bye with far more confidence on offense. After the Charleston Southern game, it will only be Power Four opponents the rest of the way. The bookmakers are expecting Clemson to put up points, but that is still so hard for one to get their head around. Clemson's offense is not able to score at will.
The game is not about covering the spread, but making sure the offense can actually score 30 points.
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