The hype surrounding Cade Klubnik is real. The path to the College Football Playoff looks clear. But when it comes to crowning Clemson a true national championship favorite, one prominent ESPN betting analyst is hitting the brakes, pointing to "key flaws" that could derail the Tigers' ultimate goal.
In ESPN's ACC betting preview, Pamela Maldonado makes a clear distinction between a playoff team and a title winner, placing the Tigers firmly in the former category.
"Strip away the noise, and this looks like a team that's definitely good, potentially great, and absolutely capable of making the College Football Playoff," Maldonado said. "But a national title run? That's where I hit pause... I'm buying in on Klubnik's Heisman potential and a postseason berth, but not the trophy."
The Fatal Flaw: 'Not Built to Win in the Trenches'
Maldonado's skepticism is aimed squarely at the Tigers' defense, specifically their inability to stop the run against elite competition.
"I'm not ready to bet on Clemson to win the national championship because their defense held them back last year and could again this year," she stated. "For all the love the front-line gets, Clemson ranked 51st in success rate allowed and 64th in yards allowed per play, giving up nearly five yards per carry (90th nationally)."
While she praises new DC Tom Allen as a "clear upgrade," she believes the defense is still a "step behind" the truly elite units.
"The secondary lacks proven depth, and while the Tigers' linebacker corps is solid, it is not elite," she added. "If you're not built to win in the trenches against those teams, you're not built to win a title."
Maldonado does concede that Clemson has the "easiest path to the playoffs for any top-five team" and that Klubnik "might be the most polished returning quarterback outside of Carson Beck."
The Bullish View from CBS
Conversely, CBS Sports' Thomas Casale is more bullish on Clemson's title chances, framing the season-opening showdown with LSU as a pivotal moment for bettors.
"If Clemson beats LSU, these are easily the best numbers we'll see all season (+1100)," Casale advises. "If Clemson were to lose that game, it would create more attractive odds on the Tigers in the betting market."
Casale expects the Tigers to "tear through the ACC," concluding that "at worst, Clemson will be playing for an ACC title and automatic CFP berth... At best, this will be a special season for Swinney and the Tigers."
The verdict is clear: the experts are divided not on whether Clemson is good, but on whether they have the defensive toughness to beat the best of the best. The LSU opener will be the first crucial piece of evidence to either validate the concerns or silence the doubters.