Clemson Football Schedule 2009: A Game By Game Look at The Matchups

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Last year's battle in Winston-Salem was very low scoring as the defense of Wake Forest put on a show. The Deacons return nine starters on offense but lose most of their dominant defense. Two years ago the Tigers dominated Wake in Death Valley in November, as everything seemed to go wrong for the Deacons. This year shouldn't be a repeat of that, but in a high scoring game than last season I expect the Tigers can claim the victory at home, as the crowd in Death Valley overwhelms the Deacs.

October 24th, 2009: Clemson at Miami

The Hurricanes are no longer what they used to be, but a certainly on the rise again this year. After a 7 win campaign last year they will look to build on what was a very young team last year. Miami possess a similar team to what Clemson has had recently, plenty of talent but young and undisciplined. Although the Tigers should be the senior team in this game, I feel like this is one of those game the Tigers will lose. Miami won't have a very impressive record because of a brutal start to the season, and it seems to fit as a game the Tigers will lose. Despite my gut feeling, it should be a close game and is winnable for Tigers.

October 31th, 2009: Coastal Carolina at Clemson

To be entirely honest the only thing exciting about this game should be that it takes place on Halloween. Coastal is certainly building a program the right way, but the talent difference on the field should result in the Tigers being victorious by a large margin. Last season Penn State put 56 on the board against Coastal, and I expect the Tigers to be slightly shy of that.

November 7th, 2009: Florida State at Clemson

If there is one home game that everyone has circled, it is this one. (Although TCU is quite good too) The Noles took a step forward last year as they tried to get back to the top, and this year should be another step forward. Returning a veteran offensive line is a key factor to claiming the Noles as favorites in the Atlantic Division. Last years game in Tallahassee was a close battle but the speed on offense proved too much for the Tigers defensively. This should be a patented night game in Death Valley and the crowd will be very loud giving the Tigers a chance to win it. Due to this factor I think the Tigers have a chance although they aren't the favorites for this one.

November 14th, 2009: Clemson at NC State

After a 2-6 start last year, State rebounded with 4 straight wins to get a bowl bid. With an all-ACC quarterback returning in Russell Wilson, and many other key parts to the team, the hype is back in Raleigh. On the other hand, I'm not quite buying into yet. The Pack have an inexperienced line and still sport an underwhelming defense. The last few years the Tigers have dominated the Wolfpack, especially on offense. I believe State to be a bowl team, but I don't see them vying for an ACC title as some suggest. Based on the Tigers success against State last year with a similar defense, I think Clemson can come out of Raleigh with a victory.

November 21st, 2009: Virginia at Clemson

The last few years Virginia has had a lack of overall talent despite some first round draft choices. With 5 wins the last two years, and not alot to bank on this year, the Cavs find themselves looking at another down year. Although they gave Clemson a good run for it last year in Charlottesville, I think the Tigers can be victorious on Senior Day in Death Valley.

November 28th, 2009: Clemson at South Carolina

The Gamecocks haven't had much success in these rivalry games lately, and much of the problem can be contributed to the play on offense. Next season should be another middle of the road campaign for the Gamecocks with 6 or 7 wins their likely result. Despite this they do sport a good defense and if Spurrier can ever figure out how to move the ball with one quarterback, they might be a bit more dangerous. The crowd in Columbia will obviously be a strong factor in the game and the Tigers will have all they can handle from the Gamecocks. At this point in time I see this game as a toss up.

Overall, as you can see their are really no game the Tigers can mark down as a L yet. With a handful of easy games, and a few more winnable ones, the Tigers should have no problem returning to a bowl game. With a couple of the toughest games at home this year, the Tigers should feel good about their chances every time they take the field at Death Valley. Overall, many peoples expectations are for 7 or 8 wins, but at this point I'm gonna venture to guess about 8 or 9. I don't expect the Tigers to make it to the ACC championship, but it isn't out of the question. My best guess right now is the Tigers get another invite to a higher end ACC bowl game, maybe the Champs Sports Bowl.

Anyway, it should be a fun season in Tigertown and all across the country. Too bad we have to wait another three months!

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