Game: Clemson Tigers @ Duke Blue Devils
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Odds: Tigers -12.5, Blue Devils +12.5
Total: 56
We close out the weekend of college football with No. 9 Clemson heading to Durham, North Carolina, to take on Duke in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams. The game is the opening step in Clemson’s attempt to retain its ACC championship. It’s also a chance for Duke to demonstrate that the team’s first season under coach Mike Elko last year wasn’t an aberration.
Under Elko last year, the Blue Devils went 9-4, which was their best mark since 2014 and just the seventh time in the history of the program that they had at least nine victories. A win over Clemson, which has long dominated the ACC, would significantly raise Duke’s profile and expectations.
Last year, in its 14th season under Dabo Swinney, Clemson finished 11-3. While most teams would be thrilled with an 11-win season, some Tigers supporters found it disappointing given that Clemson missed the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year. The Tigers also suffered losses to Tennessee in their bowl game and South Carolina in the regular-season finale. That ended a seven-game winning streak over the Gamecocks.
Swinney benched junior quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and started freshmen Cade Klubnik in the ACC championship game. Clemson beat North Carolina for the title in between the two losses to SEC opponents. Klubnik completed 20-of-24 throws for 279 yards and a touchdown while also scoring on the ground as the Tigers defeated the Tar Heels 39-10.
Uiagalelei later transferred to Oregon State leaving Klubnik in charge of the Tigers offense. Swinney says Klubnik is the ideal quarterback in every way. He has extraordinary talent. He’s also bigger than when he first arrived. He’s now at 203 pounds, up from 179.
Klubnik will need to adjust by getting acquainted with Garrett Riley, the new offensive coordinator. He was hired by Swinney to be the Tigers’ new offensive coordinator after leading TCU to the national championship game last season. Klubnik’s offensive arsenal will mostly remain the same. Will Shipley, a running back who amassed 1,424 yards and 15 touchdowns from scrimmage last year, is back. At receiver, Antonio Williams returns as well after hauling in 56 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns. Four of the offensive line’s five starters are also returning for the Tigers.
Despite having to lose four NFL draft picks, Clemson’s defense will still be led by the outstanding linebacker tandem of Barrett Carter and Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who together recorded 24 tackles for losses last season.
Duke also brings back a decent number of standouts, including 98% of its offensive output. Riley Leonard, a junior quarterback, is back in the starting lineup after gaining 3,600 total offensive yards and 33 touchdowns last season. DeWayne Carter and Brandon Johnson, each of whom had 5.5 sacks last year, are back for the Blue Devils’ defense. Carter is joined as an anchor on the defensive front by fifth-year senior Ja’Mion Franklin, who had three sacks and five pass breakups in the previous season.
With a five-game winning streak over Duke, Clemson is 37-16-1 all-time versus the Blue Devils.
Join Oskeim Sports today and save 20% on your first purchase at the online store!