2014
Clemson Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
Clemson is hoping for another 10-win season, but it may take a little more work than in recent years. The Tigers lose all of their main talents on offense from quarterback Tajh Boyd to wide receivers Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant. It will be a work in progress, but the defensive side may actually be this team’s strong suit which hasn’t been the case in some time.
Sportsbook.ag lists the win total for Clemson at 8.5 wins and the UNDER is being favored there, reflected by the moneyline of -130 attached to that prop.
Senior Cole Stoudt is the frontrunner at quarterback and he at least has some experience. However, it’s hard to look at any of his previous numbers as he’s only really been used in blow outs. The running Game also loses Roderick McDowell, so there will be a few guys fighting at that spot. Zac Brooks and D.J. Howard will get the first looks, but redshirt freshman Wayne Gallman is in the fold too.
The Tigers lose a ton in the receiving department, but the coaching staff doesn’t seem too worried about it. Adam Humphries and Mike Williams will move into starting spots, and Williams is even getting comparisons to DeAndre Hopkins. If those guys don’t pan out, Clemson has a few freshmen coming in as well. The offensive line could be the team’s biggest question with a two of their top linemen leaving. Also two of the returning starters will be suspended in the opener.
As for the defense, they have loads of talent returning and have one of the best defensive lines in the nation. DE Vic Beasley (23 tackles for loss) and DT Grady Jarrett are complete beasts and set the tone up front. At every level, they have depth and talent returning, seven starters back in all. Senior Stephone Anthony will lead the linebacking core once again and is a great tackler.
Much like Florida State, Clemson has an extremely favorable Schedule because of the weak ACC. The obvious challenges will be in two of their first three Games at Georgia and Florida State. They also close the season against the Gamecocks. From there, it’s fairly straightforward without any intimidating road Games and a solid home slate that should present challenges, but also winnable Games.
Reaching 10 wins will be the goal here, and that would include beating one of the top teams mentioned above. If not, they’ll need to turn things around against North Carolina and Louisville in the first half of the year.
Clemson’s season may come down to what Stoudt can do at quarterback. With the defense primed to hold most teams down, it’s going to come down to the offense to put points on the board and close teams out. Can Stoudt lead the crew of mostly new playmakers? There’s no reason he can’t within the same system.
2014 Clemson Football Schedule
Aug. 30 at Georgia
Sept. 6 vs. S. Carolina State
Sept. 20 at Florida State
Sept. 27 vs. North Carolina
Oct. 4 vs. NC State
Oct. 11 vs. Louisville
Oct. 18 at Boston College
Oct. 25 vs. Syracuse
Nov. 6 at Wake Forest
Nov. 15 at Georgia Tech
Nov. 22 vs. Georgia State
Nov. 29 vs. South Carolina