Clemson football season preview 2020: Record predictions, depth chart analysis, breakout players

Clemson football schedule game-by-game predictions

Game 1: at Wake Forest: The Tigers kick off their season with what should be an easy win. Trevor Lawrence was a strong advocate for the 2020 season so expect him to let it fly all game long. 45 to 17, Clemson.

Game 2: vs The Citadel: In the Tigers only non-conference game of 2020 they take on The Citadel. Do not expect an App. State-like upset in this one as the Tigers force a shutout. 59-0, Clemson.

Game 3: vs Virginia: In a rematch of the 2019 ACC title game, the Tigers take on Virginia in but not expect a revenge game for the Cavaliers as the Tigers will be locked in early to avoid any early season slip-ups. 37-13, Clemson. 

Game 4: vs Miami(FL): The Hurricanes will put some points on the board in this one but expect the Tigers to put up a little more. A great early season quarterback showdown goes to the Tigers. 38-30, Clemson.

Game 5: at Georgia Tech: The Tigers have won the last five meetings against the Yellow Jackets by an average of 23.6 points per game. Expect nothing but the same in this one. 42-17, Clemson.

Game 6: vs Syracuse: In 2017, the Orange upset the Tigers and in 2018 they fell just shy of the upset. In 2019, the Tigers had the Orange want to press the reset button following a 41 to 6 beatdown. Maybe not as big of a blowout but Clemson still wins big. 34-10, Clemson.

Game 7: vs Boston College: A decade ago this series was tied a 9-9-2 but since the 2011 matchup, the Tigers have won nine straight over the Eagles. This could be a trap game for the Tigers but make in 10 in a row for Clemson. 30-20, Clemson.

Game 8: at Notre Dame: The Irish joined the ACC for the 2020 season and will look to win a conference title in as many tries. In what could be one of the best games of the 2020 season, the Tigers are handed their first loss of the season. 38-34, Notre Dame.

Game 9: at Florida State: A sixth straight conference title and playoff appearance are still alive with three games left. The Tigers come off their bye week with a statement win over the Seminoles. 49-23, Clemson.

Game 10: vs Pitt: The Panthers’ defense should not be slept on but their offense is another story. Pitt gives Clemson their best show but it is not enough to keep up with a team as good as the Tigers. 27-13, Clemson.

Game 11: at Virginia Tech: Other than meeting twice in the ACC title game, the Hokies and the Tigers have only met three times since 2008, with the Tigers winning all three matchups and the two ACC title matchups. And the Tigers are going to stay with the trend and win this one as well. 32-15, Clemson.

Game 12: ACC Championship Game vs Notre Dame: There are no divisions in the ACC for the 2020 season so the two teams with the best record will face off in the conference title game, even if they’ve already played earlier in the season. Notre Dame was able to steal a win from the Tigers in their first matchup but Clemson shows Notre Dame the door and wins their sixth straight conference title. 35-24, Clemson.

Final Record: 11-1 (9-1), ACC Champions.

With the Big Ten and the Pac-12 canceling their 2020 season, teams like the Clemson Tigers can afford to lose a game against a quality opponent and still make the College Football Playoff. If the Tigers do drop one game but still finish the season as the champions of the ACC, a three and four seed for the playoff will be theirs, without a question. But a loss in the ACC title game, no matter their record prior