ESPN tabs Clemson as the team with the most difficult open to the 2024 season

Dabo Swinney and the Tigers have a tough start to their 2024 season against the Georgia Bulldogs.

Starting the season as underdogs, Clemson thrives in this position, often delivering standout performances. This matchup offers a prime opportunity for the Tigers to make a significant statement and regain momentum. Securing a victory against Georgia would be a monumental start, setting a thrilling course for the season that would undoubtedly excite their fans.

It’s a difficult start to the season that goes beyond just Georgia. According to ESPN, the Tigers have the most difficult open to the season in college football .

It doesn’t get much tougher than facing No. 1 Georgia in the Aug. 31 opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. A week later, Appalachian State comes to Death Valley. The Mountaineers are perhaps the Sun Belt Conference’s best team and no stranger to making life tough for the big boys. After a bye, Clemson faces a pair of top-15 teams over the next three weeks — No. 13 N.C. State at home Sept. 21 and No. 11 Florida State on the road Oct. 5. The schedule is top-heavy for the Tigers, meaning we should know by mid-October if they’re a serious playoff contender.

Clemson has a gauntlet to start the season, but it’s a great test for the program. If they walk out of October with even one loss, they’re a serious contender.

It could be a huge season for the Tigers.