Clemson Tigers 2016 College Football Betting Preview

Not only did the Clemson Tigers reach the national championship game a year ago, but they were also one of the best teams in the nation when it came to covering the college football spreads. Now, the consensus favorite to bring home the national championship hardware in 2016, college football bettors across the globe need to know what lies in store for the Tigers as they get set for the upcoming season. Let’s find out.

Let’s Get a Closer Look at the Clemson Tigers 2016 College Football Betting Preview

Offense

Clemson (14-1 SU, 8-7 ATS) had one of the best offenses in the country last season as they ranked 11th overall (514.2 ypg) and 16th in scoring (38.4 ppg). The Tigers’ offense is led by gifted dual-threat signal-caller Deshaun Watson a player that threw for 4,109 yards with 35 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while rushing for an additional 1,105 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2015. After finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting and became the first FBS player to ever to pass for 4,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in the same season, the sky is the ceiling for the future NFL performer. What I love about Clemson’s offense is underrated running back Wayne Gallman. As a sophomore the speedy Gallman rushed for 1,527 yards with 13 touchdowns. While head coach Dabo Swinney will need to find suitable replacements for two starters on the offensive line, there’s no doubt that Clemson looks like they’ll be at least as explosive offensively as they were in 2015.

Defense

Clemson closed out the 2015 campaign ranked a stellar 10th in total defense (313.4 ypg) and solid 24th in points allowed (216 ppg). Unfortunately, the Tigers return just four starters on this side of the ball and lost a handful of stars that were all selected in the 2016 NFL Draft. With defensive ends Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd, cornerback Mackensie Alexander and linebacker Travis Blanks all off to the NFL, Swinney is counting on senior defensive tackle Carlos Watkins and likely, freshman defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, thenation’s No. 2 overall recruit. The secondary is the unit all eyes will be on heading into 2016 with Clemson needing to find replacements for starting safeties Jayron Kearse and T.J. Green and Alexander at corner.

By The Numbers

Clemson is 17-1 SU in its last 18 games. The total has gone Over in 8 of Clemson’s last 11 games. Clemson is 5-0 SU in its last five road games. The total is 5-0 in Clemson’s last 5 road games.

2016 Betting Prediction

Some sportsbooks have Clemson as the third best favorite (+800) to win it all in 2016 behind both, Alabama and Michigan, but for me, I believe the Tigers are poised to win it all, despite the concerns I have about their secondary. The Tigers may have the best quarterback in all of football, an elite rusher that should be considered a Heisman Trophy candidate in his own right and a ton of talent at the skill positions. Combine all of that with what should be another elite front seven and a head coach whose players would literally run through a brick wall for him and you have the makings of a national champion!