By Ed McGranahan.

By Ed McGranahan

Conspiracy theories aside, even the 2013 schedule sets up for a special season at Clemson.

With three traditionally elite opponents it has sufficient muscle.

The two open dates afford time to regroup before the Thursday night games.

And the conference road slate looks favorable with a potential farewell game at Maryland and an intriguing visit to Syracuse. Anybody for a side trip to Cooperstown?

Clemson caught a break with both Florida State and – for the second straight year — Georgia Tech at home. And unless they run into one at the ACC title game, Virginia Tech, Miami and North Carolina may not be obstacles.

Finally, for serious fans and Upstate college football nerds it provides ample opportunity to see one of the best in the game, probably the best ever from a state school.

Clemson’s schedule reflects a respect for the program and the anticipation for an entertaining and potentially successful team. Considering the league’s diminishing football reputation, the ACC needs Clemson to be successful.

That is why there will be two mid-week games, and why there will be plenty of ABC 3:30 and primetime kickoffs. There just aren’t many reasons not to like this schedule.

Although an eighth home game would be ideal for the Merchants of College Avenue. Otherwise it’s one that would virtually assure Clemson a BCS bowl invitation by just winning.