College Football Preview 2024: Clemson Tigers win projections, strengths and weaknesses, quarterback spotlight and more

Head coach: Dabo Swinney (17th season)
2023 record: 9-4 (won Gator Bowl)
PFF power ranking: 15th
Chance to win the ACC: 8%
Strength of schedule: 37th
Projected win total: 7.5
FanDuel win total: 9.5
2024 recruiting rank (On3): No. 14 nationally, No. 3 in the ACC

After raning ninth in the AP poll to open the 2023 season, Clemson endured a disastrous start. The Tigers lost four of their first eight games, the first time since 2011 that they lost even four times in an entire season. “Tyler from Spartanburg” called into Dabo Swinney’s radio show after the 4-4 start and questioned why the head coach was making $11.5 million, which inspired an infamous rant from the two-time national championship-winning head coach. Tyler apparently gave Swinney and the Tigers the fire they needed, as they won their final five games of the season.

Clemson should once again have an elite defense, with both experienced players and up-and-coming stars all over the depth chart. The offense, specifically the passing game, needs to make serious progress. If it doesn’t, there will be serious questions about whether Swinney fits the current age of college football with his refusal to use the transfer portal.

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Biggest Strength: Loaded defense

The Tigers should have one of the best defenses in college football next season. Clemson fielded the second-highest-graded defense in the nation last year, trailing only national champion Michigan. The Tigers have many stars returning at all three levels on that side of the ball, as well.

Biggest Weakness: Will the passing game improve?

Clemson’s passing game was almost the sole reason why the team wasn’t a playoff contender last year. Quarterback Cade Klubnik wasn’t able to live up to his five-star hype as a sophomore, posting just a 102nd-ranked PFF passing grade (63.9). The Tigers also finished the year 90th in receiving grade and lost No. 2 receiver Beaux Collins to Notre Dame this offseason. Since Dabo Swinney refuses to bring in transfers, this unit needs to make serious progress.

2023 Team Overview

Offense
EPA per play	Yards per play	Successful play rate	Explosive run play rate	Explosive pass play rate
-0.033	5.2	37.5%	16.7%	10.7%
78th	100th	42nd	50th	T-122nd
Defense
EPA allowed per play	Yards allowed per play	Successful play rate allowed	Explosive run rate allowed	Explosive pass rate allowed
-0.237	4.5	27.9%	12.8%	8.9%
3rd	6th	3rd	24th	3rd