Despite a tough 17-10 loss to No. 9 LSU on Saturday in the season opener, oddmakers tab No. 4 Clemson as a big bounce-back candidate in Week 2, and it's been a while since Dabo Swinney's squad has been in this position in betting markets.
The Tigers begin as a 32.5-point favorite at major U.S. sportsbooks heading into Saturday's 3:30 p.m. vs. Troy at Memorial Stadium. It’s the largest spread against an FBS team that Clemson’s seen since it was listed at -34 against Louisiana Tech in 2022.
Clemson is 2-0 straight up and 1-1 against the spread vs. Troy, which hasn’t been this big of an underdog since their meeting in Death Valley in 2016. The Tigers have failed to cover six consecutive games as a favorite of 30 points or more against FBS teams, dating back to 2020.
Early money is flowing toward the home team. DraftKings Sportsbook reported on Sunday afternoon that 88% of the bets and 77% of the handle have come in on the Tigers.
The total opened at 51.5, with 96% of the early money backing the over.
Troy is coming off a 38-10 victory over FCS team Nicholls State on Saturday. The Trojans trailed 10-7 at halftime before mounting a comeback, but they failed to cover as a 21.5-point favorite.
The last time Clemson faced Troy, the Tigers won a tight game 30-24 in 2016, the year they won the school’s second national championship. Clemson failed to cover the 34.5-point spread. The first ever meeting came in 2011, when Clemson (-14.5) crushed Troy 43-19.
Check back with Rubbing The Rock throughout the week for betting updates and information on the Clemson-Troy game.