For some reason, the Atlantic Coast Conference loves to stick it to Clemson when it comes to the conference opener. For the sixth straight year, the reigning national champions will begin ACC play away from Death Valley.
In 2017, the Tigers will open ACC competition at Louisville on Sept. 16. Last year, Clemson opened up in the ACC at Georgia Tech. In 2015, it was at Louisville, at Florida State in 2014, at NC State in 2013 and at FSU in 2012.
In those five ACC openers, the Tigers went 3-2, including two straight wins. Since Dabo Swinney became the full-time head coach in 2009, Clemson has opened up ACC play at home just twice, a loss to Miami in 2010 and a win over the Seminoles in 2011.
The Tigers opened up with a loss at Georgia Tech in 2009.
However, the 2017 football schedule, for the most part, is pretty favorable for the Tigers. They do not play back-to-back road games at any point in the season, and the bye week comes in Week 8.
Other than games at Louisville and at Virginia Tech (Sept. 30), Clemson’s toughest games are all at home. It hosts Auburn on Sept. 9 a week after opening the season against Kent State at home.
The Tigers also get Georgia Tech at home on Oct. 28, following a bye week. It is a big advantage to have two weeks to prepare for Tech’s triple option offense, especially considering Brent Venables has become a master at stopping it with just five days to prepare.
Then of course the ACC did everyone a favor when it placed its biggest game at the end of the year. Clemson will close out the ACC season by hosting the Seminoles in Death Valley on Nov. 11, with the ACC’s Atlantic Division title more than likely at stake. The winner of this game has played for the ACC Championship every year since 2008.
The winner of the Clemson-Florida State game has won the ACC every year since 2011.
Even with a new quarterback, a new running back and some new playmakers at wide receiver and tight end, the ACC has set Clemson up for an opportunity to not only repeat as ACC Champions for a third straight year, but also with an opportunity to get back in the College Football Playoff for a third straight year.
And if that happens, who knows what might happen after that … A second straight national championship possibly? Who knows?
Now if Clemson could just get the ACC from scheduling all of those road games to start the ACC season. But, hey! Who is complaining?
Clemson 2017 Football Schedule
Sept. 2 vs. Kent State
Sept. 9 vs. Auburn
Sept. 16 at Louisville
Sept. 23 vs. Boston College
Sept. 30 at Virginia Tech
Oct. 7 vs. Wake Forest
Oct. 13 at Syracuse
Oct. 21 open date
Oct. 28 vs. Ga. Tech
Nov. 4 at NC State
Nov. 11 vs. Florida State
Nov. 18 The Citadel
Nov. 25 at South Carolina
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