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No one really knows what to expect from new Clemson coach Dabo Swinney. What we do know is that Kyle Parker has been named the starting quarterback, and that being a tougher football team has been emphasized. My ACC Preview had the Tigers finishing as good as 9-3 and as bad as 6-6. How does the 2009 schedule look?
1) @Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, September 10, 2009
The Tigers will be coming off a game with the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. They employ a four WR spread aerial attack. Then the Tigers play the run heavy attack of Georgia Tech with less than a week of preparation. That's a very tough match-up for the Tigers. They have more than enough athletes to pull a surprise, but because the Tigers have such a short turnaround, and that it's Kyle Parker's first big game as a quarterback, I don't see the Tigers winning this one.
Chance of Clemson winning: 30%
2) @North Carolina State Wolfpack, November 14, 2009
The Tigers handled the Wolfpack early last year in a game that was well before NC State hit their stride. The previous week the Tigers play an always-emotional game with Florida State that could leave them flat. Clemson should have some success running the ball on the Wolfpack, but ends Ricky Sapp and Da'Quan Bowers will have to hold dynamic NC State QB Russell Wilson in check. That won't be easy to do. The game is at Raleigh as well. Loser of this game won't win the Atlantic Division.
Chance of Clemson winning: 40%
3) Florida State Seminoles, November 7, 2009
Clemson has had success against the Seminoles in recent years. They have won four out of their last six against FSU. I've always thought this was Tommy Bowden's downfall. He recruited speed to beat Florida St. and Miami, and did well against those teams. The problem was his teams didn't have the physicality to consistently beat the Virginia Techs and Boston Colleges.
The Tigers always play Florida State well in Death Valley, and will give the Noles all they can handle again. By then, whoever is at quarterback for the Tigers, Kyle Parker or Willy Korn, should have plenty of experience. Florida State has a great offensive line that can keep the Clemson defensive ends under control. This one is a toss-up.
Chance of Clemson winning: 50%
4) @Maryland Terrapins, October 3, 2009
The Terrapins are the kind of physical team that can give the Tigers trouble. Da'Rel Scott is an underrated back for the Terps, and Chris Turner is not a bad quarterback. The game is in College Park too. The Tigers have better overall talent, but that didn't matter last year in a terrible second half effort by Clemson playing at home. The Tigers lost 20-17. This is the type of game where C.J. Spiller needs to get loose for a couple of scores early. The Terps aren't built for big comebacks.
Chance of Clemson winning: 50%
5) @Miami Hurricanes, October 24, 2009
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