Duke +13.5 over Clemson. Writeup.
We may have the wrong team favored here.
This could be one of the best ML dogs in quite a while.
The once-dominating defense has slipped from the 21 season and in 2022 they allowed over 6 more points per game. This group lost 3 more starers from last year . They also lost their original starting QB.
I believe the defense will still be respectable - but losing the offensive parts, are key to staying in games against better teams.
They have solid coaching, but its not enough without talent.
Their early schedule could see them a 2-2 after 4 games. The only wins may be against Charleston Southern and Fla Atl.
After those 2 games - they will face Florida State and after what FSU did to LSU - Im expecting the same outcome with Clemson losing as well to FSU.
They start the season against a 9-4 Duke team with all kinds of improvement expected this year.
Duke returns 18 starters and their starting QB.
They rocketed up in wins and in the stats.
They're plus 11 in points scored vs allowed last year.
More importantly they improved on defense by an amazing 18 points per gm and by 10 pts on offense. Thats no accident.
This is another game lined with Public Perception, as the reason for the double digit spread.
Looking at what Clemson lost in respect to the last 2 seasons, its apparent they will find it hard to be what they were in 2019 or 2021.
Clemson benched their starting QB late in the year last season. He transferred to - guess where? Oregon State!
They replaced him with Klubnik, who started the last few hames and won their playoff game over North Carolina.
But dont get too confident about the win over N.Carolina last year.
NC out gained Clemson and had more first downs and much more time of possession.
PLUS 3 turnovers to help Clemson win. Otherwise Clemson should have lost.
If they arrive on Blue Devil field with that kind of performance, they will get beat SU.