Clemson Football: 2022 Way-Too-Early Game Predictions

Sep 25, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney (left) talks to quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5) prior to a game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney (left) talks to quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5) prior to a game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Clemson running back Will Shipley (1) scores a touchdown during a NCAA college football game in the Cheez-It Bowl against Iowa State, Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.211229 Isu Clemson Cheez It 026 Jpg
Clemson running back Will Shipley (1) scores a touchdown during a NCAA college football game in the Cheez-It Bowl against Iowa State, Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.211229 Isu Clemson Cheez It 026 Jpg /

Mike Norvell enters year three of a rebuilding job at Florida State that hasn’t gone smoothly. In his two years in Tallahassee, they have gone 8-12, and haven’t finished higher than 8th in the ACC.

But, Florida State does have some brighter prospects for this year, as they bring back almost every major contributor from last season. Even with the departure of Jermaine Johnson to the NFL as an edge rusher, the Seminoles have managed to secure prized Albany transfer Jared Verse to patch that up.

FSU has potential for a large progression, but they shouldn’t trouble Clemson too much…

Final score: Clemson 23, Florida State 10 (Clemson 6-1, 4-1 in ACC)

Dino Babers has been undertaking a full rebuild at Syracuse since their 2018 season when the Orange won 10 games and finished ranked 15th. His team in 2021 made good progress, leaping from one win in 2020 to five in 2021.

Chief among the reasons for that is Orange running back Sean Tucker. Tucker was a second-team all-American as a true freshman, and in addition, Syracuse returns almost everyone from a year ago.

Still, it’s a Clemson win.

Final score: Clemson 31, Syracuse 20 (Clemson 7-1, 5-1 in ACC)