It speaks to the level the Clemson Tigers football program has reached that a 10-3 season is considered a lost year. The Tigers’ slip-up in 2021 is mainly attributed to a lack of offensive firepower, as they mustered just 26.3 points per game. Some changes will occur offensively, where Brandon Streeter takes over as offensive coordinator, and DJ Uiagalelei must stave off highly-touted freshman Cade Klubnik. The defense figures to remain one of the top units in the country, although longtime defensive coordinator Brent Venables departs as he assumes the head coaching position with the Oklahoma Sooners.

Clemson returns 15 starters and hopes to regain its status as ACC favorites and potential National Title contender.

Here’s a look at Clemson’s schedule with dates, times, opponents, and analysis:

Week 1 – at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Date: September 5

Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

This will be a neutral site game played at Mercedes Benz Stadium. The matchup with Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will heavily favor Clemson, however, they kept things close in a 14-8 win for the Tigers a year ago.

Week 2 – vs. Furman Paladins 

Date: September 10

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Clemson’s average margin of victory has been nearly 35 points in the last three meetings. The Furman Paladins finished just 6-5 a year ago.

Week 3 – vs. Lousiana Tech Bulldogs

Date: September 17

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

The Lousiana Tech Bulldogs enter Year 1 of the Sonny Cumbie era and figure to be significant underdogs in this matchup. It’s a potential look-ahead spot for Clemson ahead of a meeting with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Week 4 – at Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Date: September 24

Time: TBD

Clemson has won 13 straight in this matchup. Dave Clawson led the Demon Deacons to an 11-3 record a year ago en route to capturing the Atlantic division title.

Week 5 – vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack

Date: October 1

Time: TBD

This is the second of back-to-back difficult divisional challenges for the Tigers. The NC State Wolfpack return 17 starters from a 9-3 team a year ago led by star quarterback Devin Leary.

Week 6 – at Boston College Eagles

Date: October 8

Time: TBD

This is in the middle of a difficult scheduling stretch for the Tigers, who play arguably the two top divisional challengers (Wake Forest, NC State) back-to-back before hitting the road for two straight road games. Clemson has won 11 consecutive meetings with the Boston College Eagles. 

Week 7 – at Florida State Seminoles

Date: October 15

Time: TBD

After some difficult scheduling dynamics, a bye week would have been lovely for the Tigers here. Instead, they hit the road again to face a Florida State Seminoles team they have defeated six straight times.

Week 8 – vs. Syracuse Orange

Date: October 22

Time: TBD

The Tigers are 8-1 across the last nine meetings with the Syracuse Orange.

Week 9 – BYE

Week 10 – at Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Date: November 5

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

The Tigers finally get a much-needed bye week to prepare for a tough away game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Clemson has won four of the last five meetings.

Week 11 – vs. Louisville Cardinals

Date: November 12

Time: TBD

Clemson has never lost to the Lousiville Cardinals, winning all seven prior meetings. Scott Satterfield brings back a ton of offensive firepower led by quarterback Malik Cunningham.

Week 12 – vs. Miami Hurricanes

Date: November 19

Time: TBD

Dabo’s squad has won three straight against the Miami Hurricanes, with all victorious coming comfortably. Mario Cristobal figures to have Miami competing in the Coastal Division, so this is a tough cross-divisional draw for Clemson.

Week 13 – vs. South Carolina Gamecocks

Date: November 26

Time: TBD

Clemson has won seven straight against their rivals in the Palmetto Bowl. The South Carolina Gamecocks hope to be improved in 2022 with Spencer Rattler at quarterback.