Clemson Tigers 2016 Football Schedule and Analysis

Sept. 3

9 PM ET

ESPN

Season-Opening Tiger Fight Opening with an SEC West opponent on the road is not exactly easing into the schedule. If Auburn finds an answer to its quarterback question, this could be a nasty battle of Tigers.

Sept. 10

12:30 PM ET

ACCN

Quarterback Brandon Silvers returns from the Trojans’ 45th-ranked passing offense. But they lose hybrid linebacker Tyler Roberts, their biggest playmaker on defense, so stopping the Tigers’ potent offense will be a problem.

Sept. 17

12 PM ET

RSN/ACCNExtra

The warm-up game that often comes in week one occurs in week three as the Tigers match up against the FCS team from Orangeburg. This will be a good respite before ACC action commences the following Thursday.

Sept. 22

7:30 PM ET

ESPN

ACC Opener = Trap Game? A short week is never good in preparing for the Jackets’ option attack. But with South Carolina State as the previous opponent, Clemson should have no problem getting ready for Paul Johnson, Justin Thomas and the Georgia Tech ground game.

A dangerous game against a dangerous team. Louisville returns just about all of its offensive production, headlined by rising sophomore quarterback Lamar Jackson, and most of the defense as well. It helps Clemson that the Tigers have a few extra days to prepare and the game is at Death Valley.

Oct. 7

7:30 PM ET

ESPN

Boston College had a miserable 2015 season, going winless in ACC play. Head coach Steve Addazio will have his team motivated to play and the defense will again be strong despite losing a few key components. But the Eagles will again be challenged offensively and Clemson can score on anyone.

The Wolfpack are always a pesky foe for any top team. Clemson knows that from last year as NC State gave the Tigers some difficulties on Halloween. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett needs to be replaced but running back Matt Dayes and the bulk of a strong defense returns.

ACC Game of the Year? Once again, this will probably be the game of the year in the ACC and will have ramifications for College Football Playoff positioning. The Tigers will have a week off before visiting Dalvin Cook and the Seminoles.

Syracuse enters 2016 with a new head coach and a new offensive style. And though they bring just about everyone back on defense, the nation’s No. 99 team in total defense will find it difficult to slow down the Tigers.

This ACC crossover game marks just the second time the Panthers and Tigers have met. In 1977, Pittsburgh closed its season by beating Clemson 34-3 in the Gator Bowl.

The Demon Deacons relied heavily on freshmen and sophomores in 2015 and that experience should pay off next fall. Paying off in a way that they are able to knock off the Tigers is another story, however.

This year’s Palmetto State battle will be held in the upstate. After losing five in a row to the boys from Columbia, Clemson will be looking to win its third straight in the bitter rivalry.