National Analyst Predicts Big Season for Clemson, Expects Better QB Play

For six years Clemson ruled the ACC with an iron fist.

Then came the 2021 season, where injuries and inconsistency on the offensive side of the ball factored into the Tigers dropping three games.

One of the biggest issues was the up and down play of starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. The sophomore struggled mightily at times, battling multiple injuries himself, throwing more interceptions (10) than touchdowns passes (9).

For the 2022 season, Vegas has set the Tigers over/under on wins at 10.5. CBS Sports analyst Chip Patterson believes Clemson will bounce back this season and surpass that total, due in part to getting better quarterback play, whether it’s from Uiagalelei or freshman Cade Klubnik.

Over/Under 10.5 wins (-125/-105)

• Wins: at Georgia Tech, Furman, Louisiana Tech, at Wake Forest, NC State, at Boston College, at Florida State, Syracuse, Louisville, Miami, South Carolina
• Losses: at Notre Dame 

Analysis: “With one of the best defenses in the country, Clemson might not even need the passing game to return to form in order to win the ACC after its six-year run of conference championships was snapped in 2021. However, beating this win total will require better play from the quarterback position and that’s something I expect we will see from either D.J. Uiagalelei or Cade Klubnik. The Tigers have two of their three toughest opponents (NC State, Miami) coming to Death Valley, but the most challenging spot is against Notre Dame in South Bend, where the Fighting Irish beat No. 1-ranked Clemson – quarterbacked by DJU – in a 47-40 in double-overtime thriller in 2020.” Pick: Over 10.5 (-125)

Patterson has the Tigers winning the Atlantic and facing Pitt in the ACC Championship Game.

“The high floor of Pitt football right now and the pieces returning defensively put another ACC title run in the cards. However, it’s dependent on getting championship-level offense after significant turnover on that side of the ball.”