Clemson score prediction vs. Duke in college football season opener
Clemson football's 2023 season kicks off Monday (8 p.m. ET, ESPN) when the Tigers play Duke at Wallace Wade Stadium. It's the first meeting between the two since 2018, and the first in Durham since 2012.
The season opener will be Clemson fans' first real look at the Tigers' new offense under coordinator Garrett Riley and quarterback Cade Klubnik.
Duke is no longer the pushover in the ACC. The Blue Devils are coming off a 9-3 season under new coach Mike Elko in 2022, their first nine-win season since 2014. Here's what to know about Duke before the Week 1 season-opener and our score prediction:
Duke creates turnovers
Duke finished 2022 ranked second in the country in turnover margin (1.23). The Blue Devil defense recovered a nation-leading 16 of 18 forced fumbles. Clemson's offense, on the other hand, lost 12 fumbles last season, tied for second-most in the ACC.
Player to watch: Quarterback Riley Leonard
Junior Riley Leonard is a true dual-threat quarterback. He led Duke in rushing yards (699) and rushing touchdowns (13) last season.
Leonard's mobility combined with a strong offensive line meant the Blue Devils allowed only 17 sacks last season, fewest in the ACC. He'll provide a unique challenge for a Clemson defensive front that returns key veterans like Xavier Thomas, Ruke Orhorhoro and Tyler Davis.
As a passer, Leonard had the ACC's fourth-best completion percentage (63.8%). Seven Blue Devils had triple-digit receiving yards in 2022, and all seven are back for this season. It's an early test for a Clemson secondary that last season ranked 76th nationally in passing yards allowed per game and 70th in passing touchdowns.
Duke's new defensive coordinator
Duke has a new defensive coordinator for 2023: Tyler Santucci. Santucci came from his role as co-defensive coordinator at Texas A&M to replace Robb Smith, who left Duke after one season for "personal reasons." Duke's defense isn't expected to look wildly different under Santucci — Elko's background is defense, and he and Santucci have worked together at three other schools.
Under Elko and Smith, Duke went from allowing 39.8 points and 516.8 yards per game in 2021 to 22.1 points and 378.2 yards in 2022. With Elko and Santucci teaming up and nine starters back for another year, don't expect the defense to drop off.
Clemson score prediction vs. Duke
Clemson 35, Duke 21 — I'm envisioning early mistakes for a Clemson team debuting a new offense, but I believe the Tiger defense will limit damage while Klubnik finds his stride. Clemson will get its footing, open the season with a win and cover the 13-point spread.
