This has turned into some nice value for Clemson, a team from the beleaguered ACC. The Tigers opened as 6 ½ point road ‘dogs at Auburn for a Saturday night clash on ESPN. The public has pushed the line to 7 or 7 ½ points on the college football odds by the playing the home Tigers at about 2:1. (Yes, this is the Tigers vs. the Tigers.) Even with the ACC’s troubles, taking Clemson with a touchdown or more looks like a good investment.
The Clemson Tigers are a darkhorse to win the ACC championship this year. They’re strong on both sides of the ball. On offense, Kyle Parker returns under center. Parker turned down a lucrative offer from the Colorado Rockies to quit football and pursue his baseball career. Obviously, Parker has a ton of talent. Last season he threw for over 2,500 yards, 20 tds, and 12 ints. Granted, Parker had the services of C.J. Spiller, who’s now with the Buffalo Bills. And while Spiller’s absence leaves a hole in the backfield, the Tigers still sport a talented duo that should make for a good combination. More importantly, the offensive line brings back 4 starters to pave the way and protect Parker. My concern is more with the receivers – who are talented – but young and inexperienced. But with an athletic, heady quarterback and a veteran o-line, I like Clemson’s offense.
The defense is even stronger. The d-line is big inside and quick outside. The linebackers have had some turnover, but junior Brandon Maye will anchor the unit; Maye had over 100 tackles last season. But the real strength is in the secondary. First-team all-America DeAndre McDaniel returns for his senior season. Last year McDaniel had 8 picks and over 100 tackles – that’s incredible! He has a bright future ahead of him on Sundays. Marcus Gilchrist has moved from safety to cornerback, and he also had over 100 tackles last year. The Tigers have two other players with experience from last year, who combined for 99 tackles and 8 picks. This might be the best secondary in all of football.
Auburn is no slouch, either. The other Tigers scored a big win on the road over Mississippi State last Thursday, which means they’re flying high and had an extra couple days to prepare for Clemson. But Auburn has a tough SEC game against South Carolina next week, which means a lot more than the game against Clemson. I wonder if some of Auburn’s perspective has already turned to a talented Gamecocks squad.
Auburn has a potent offense, which makes for an intriguing match-up with Clemson’s stellar D. Quarterback Cam Newton is a load. He will run over defensive backs with ease. He throws the ball pretty well, but doesn’t always make the best decisions. That could prove costly against a ball-hawking secondary. Perhaps Auburn’s biggest strength is a talented offensive line that has four veteran hogs. This game might well be decided in the trenches. Whichever line wins this match-up will likely win the game.
It’s understandable that Auburn is favored in this game, but the line movement has created the value necessary for a play on Clemson and is worthy for our free college football picks via the blog. Playing the road Tigers with at least a full touchdown is big in what should be an entertaining game. Personally, I think Clemson will come away with a close road win. That seems to be Clemson’s m.o. over the past several seasons: a fast start with some great victories followed by a disastrous close to the season. It’s still early in the football season, so consider siding with the visiting Tigers. More than a touchdown is a lot of value in this game.
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