Clemson Football: 2022 Way-Too-Early Game Predictions
By Kathryn Rose
After a terrible 3-9 campaign in 2021, Louisiana Tech brings in former interim Texas Tech coach Sonny Cumbie as their new head coach.
Offensively, Smoke Harris returns after a 756 receiving yard, 6 touchdown performance last season. What made it impressive was that LaTech went through three quarterbacks while he did it. Defensively, there are a few nice pieces returning, but this team is just totally outclassed by Clemson.
Final score: Clemson 41, Louisiana Tech 13 (Clemson 3-0, 1-0 in ACC)
Wake’s breakout, division-winning campaign in 2021 was powered by the likes of quarterback Sam Hartman and receiver A.T. Perry. Both of those players are back this year for Wake. However, the Demon Deacons will have to replace all-ACC receiver Jaquarii Roberson and first-team all-ACC tackle Zach Tom.
Defensively, they do get back linebackers Ryan Smenda and Rondell Bothroyd, but lose their two all-ACC players on that side of the ball from a year ago.
Wake was clearly outmatched even last year, when the talent gap was smaller. This year, it’ll be closer, but Clemson will outlast their opposition.
Final score: Clemson 37, Wake Forest 31. (Clemson 4-0, 2-0 in ACC)