Is another national title in sight? Predicting Clemson’s 2021 season, game by game
With football season a week away, here’s a game-by-game look at Clemson’s schedule for 2021. Kickoff times listed where available.
Clemson vs. Georgia
7:30 p.m. Sept. 4, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte
Out of all 12 of Clemson’s regular-season games, facing Georgia will be the most unpredictable as the Tigers start with their hardest game, likely to be a defensive battle. The top-5 matchup is the first time the two teams have played since a home-and-home series in 2013 and 2014. Each won on their respective field.
Prediction: Clemson 21, Georgia 20
Clemson vs. SC State
5 p.m. Sept. 11, Memorial Stadium in Clemson
The trick here will be for the Tigers to avoid the hangover effect after having played a huge game against Georgia in Week 1. Still, they won’t have that much of a problem in their home opener.
Prediction: Clemson 49, South Carolina State 10
Clemson vs. Georgia Tech
3:30 p.m. Sept. 18, Memorial Stadium in Clemson
Historically speaking, Clemson hasn’t lost a game to Georgia Tech since 2014. In that time, the Tigers have outscored the Yellow Jackets 267-83, with last year’s 73-7 rout being the most lopsided in that time. The score shouldn’t be that bad, but the outcome won’t change.
Prediction: Clemson 42, Georgia Tech 17
Clemson at NC State
Sept. 25, Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina
After breezing through the previous two weeks, N.C. State should put up more of a fight. Quarterback Devin Leary’s health has been in question, but if he’s 100%, the Wolfpack could keep things close.
Prediction: Clemson 30, N.C. State 20
Clemson vs. Boston College
Oct. 2, Memorial Stadium in Clemson
ACC players voted Phil Jurkovec as the most underrated quarterback in the league, and he was *this* close to leading his squad to an upset victory over Clemson a year ago. The difference this year? Tigers quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei isn’t a first-time starter and Clemson’s defense is more experienced.
Prediction: Clemson 42, Boston College 21
Clemson at Syracuse
7 p.m. Oct. 15, Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is one of only two current ACC teams to have a win over Clemson in the past six years. That win came in 2017, though it doesn’t look like the Orange will be able to repeat that this year in this Friday night game.
Prediction: Clemson 55, Syracuse 10
Clemson at Pitt
Oct. 23, Heinz Field in Pittsburgh
The Panthers are the other current league squad to have a win over Clemson in a six-season span, downing the Tigers 43-42 on Nov. 12, 2016 in Clemson. In the next two meetings, the Tigers outscored Pitt 94-27. The Panthers are the only Coastal Division foe on Clemson’s regular season schedule.
Prediction: Clemson 38, Pittsburgh 24
Clemson vs. Florida State
Oct. 30, Memorial Stadium in Clemson
Last year’s meeting was the game that wasn’t when it was canceled just hours before kickoff in Tallahassee, Florida. This season, Mike Norvell will lead the Seminoles into Clemson in his second season at the helm with UCF transfer McKenzie Milton under center. This feels like a close one.
Prediction: Clemson 27, Florida State 24
Clemson at Louisville
Nov. 6, Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky
This year, the ACC is loaded with talented quarterbacks, and Malik Cunningham is one of them. Still, the Tigers’ defense seems poised to be able to handle whatever is thrown its way.
Prediction: Clemson 35, Louisville 21
Clemson vs. UConn
Nov. 13, Memorial Stadium, Clemson
UConn didn’t have a season in 2020, so there’s not much to go off of in terms of what the Huskies bring. However, it’s not hard to imagine Clemson won’t win this one handily.
Prediction: Clemson 52, UConn 14
Clemson vs. Wake Forest
Nov. 20, Memorial Stadium in Clemson
After having a one-week break from conference play, Clemson returns to league action to play Wake Forest. Over the last two seasons, the Tigers have averaged 44.5 points against the Demon Deacons’ defense.
Prediction: Clemson 43, Wake Forest 21
Clemson at South Carolina
Nov. 27, Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia
The Palmetto Bowl was one of the longest-standing games played until last year when the SEC went to a conference-only schedule. It returns this year in Shane Beamer’s debut season with the Gamecocks.
Prediction: Clemson 35, South Carolina 14
Final thoughts
Look for Clemson to ride a perfect regular season into the ACC Championship Game on Dec. 4 in Charlotte, presumably against the North Carolina Tar Heels.
This story was originally published August 28, 2021 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Is another national title in sight? Predicting Clemson’s 2021 season, game by game."
