It feels like everyone and their mother’s brother have obsessed over finding the next LSU during the past two seasons. So, while Clemson is the best dark horse bet to win the 2022 National Championship, they aren’t the second coming of the Tigers, although the two schools do share the same mascot and the color purple. Wait, maybe they are LSU 2019 reincarnated.
Regardless, let’s start with why we are classifying the Clemson Tigers as a dark horse despite being +800 (odds at Fanduel Sportsbook) and having the fourth shortest odds to win the Natty this season. Outside of Alabama, Ohio State and Georgia, there is no other program in America that is a particularly interesting wager. USC, Texas A&M and the like are flawed teams that need a ton of breaks to go their way. Sure, it could happen. Reality says it won’t.
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As for the Tigers, well, they have been there before. And yet, they are being slept on. That is due in large part to the media writing them off in 2021. Seriously, how many times did someone write or say the phrase, “the end of the Clemson dynasty” last year? It was a lot.
In reality, they won 10 games, including their last six in a row. As for the losses? Those came against Georgia, Pitt and NC State. For the record, all three finished the season in the AP top-20. It’s not like the Tigers took a bunch of bad L’s.
But enough about 2021. Looking ahead to 2022, Clemson’s schedule is an absolute cakewalk. It appears as if this will be a down year for the ACC in general. There isn’t anything worrisome outside of a road game against Notre Dame. Sure, the margin here is very narrow, but it’s more plausible than USC putting it altogether for the first time in ages.
Ultimately, Clemson is the best dark horse bet to win the 2022 National Championship because all it needs is better quarterback play to make it into the College Football playoffs. DJ Uiagalelei was not good. However, it’s not unheard of for passers to take a big leap after their first season of starting. And if he doesn’t, maybe Cade Klubnik can be the guy. They both have the pedigree.
At the end of the day, the Tigers have everything in place to make a run at the Natty this season. That does not mean they will put it altogether or have enough to knock off Alabama. But at +800, the risk is worth the reward.
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