Clemson Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

The Citadel Bulldogs serve as one of the Clemson Tigers lesser opponents. Much like Kent State, fans should see a fair amount of players on the depth chart here, especially late in the season.

The Bulldogs aren’t a bad team, they went 10-2 last season (7-1 SoCon), losing to the Wofford Terriers 17-3 in the first round of the FCS Playoffs.

They faced an ACC opponent in the North Carolina Tar Heels last season, losing 41-7. They went undefeated before losing their final two games in the 2016 season.

Citadel has won three straight Southern Conference titles and under second-year head coach Brent Thompson, they’re steadily improving as one of the top FCS programs. They rank number 12 in the FCS Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

They are another team that runs the Triple Option offense. They should feature fullback Brandon Rainey and other veterans Jordan Thomas, Lorenzo Ward and Shy McPhail. Cam Jackson is another slot back to watch in the offense as well. He ran for 692 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 2016.

Still, the Clemson Tigers are no slouch. They’re a few rungs above the Tar Heels also, so things could get a bit out of hand in the score column.

It will be the first meeting between Clemson and Citadel since 2013. Clemson won that meeting 52-6.
Final: Citadel 7, Clemson 49 (9-2)