Breaking Clemson's 2023 schedule down into key stretches

As Clemson tries to defend its ACC crown in 2023, they'll face a number of tough tests and brutal stretches.

At first glance, Clemson's 2023 schedule looks incredibly manageable. The Tigers get their two toughest games of the season at home, and get an open week right in the middle of the season, splitting the schedule into two six-game stretches. That said, there are still some interesting potential ebbs and flows to the season.

Part 1: The ramp-up and Florida State

• Sept. 4 (Monday): at Duke, Sept. 9: vs. CHARLESTON SOUTHERN, Sept. 16: vs. FLORIDA ATLANTIC, Sept. 23: vs. FLORIDA STATE
• With all due respect to Duke and the job Mike Elko has done, Clemson should walk through the first three games of the season. An ACC road game to start, and two solid, but overmatched opponents at home will be an excellent opportunity to work out some kinks in new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley's offense.
• All of that leads up to arguably the biggest game on the schedule: 9/23 at home against Florida State. 

Florida State at Clemson (9/23) is likely the biggest regular season game in the ACC in 2023. (credit: Clemson Athletics)

Part 2: The meat

• Sept. 30: at Syracuse, Oct. 7: vs. WAKE FOREST, Oct. 14: Open Date, Oct. 21: at Miami (Fla.), Oct. 28: at NC State
• With the ACC's division-less format in play, this will be a big stretch for Clemson. If they fall to FSU in week 4, the Tigers would likely have to win out to reach the ACC Championship. If they come in 4-0, this will be the time to put their foot on the gas pedal and make the College Football Playoff committee pay attention.
• It's a tough run, bookended by trips to Syracuse and N.C. State. You'll find out who this team is during these weeks.

Part 3: Notre Dame and finish strong

• Nov. 4: vs. NOTRE DAME, Nov. 11: vs. GEORGIA TECH, Nov. 18: vs. NORTH CAROLINA, Nov. 25: at South Carolina
• If Clemson can find a way to come into Notre Dame week at 8-0, they'll likely be playing with house money. Beat the Irish, and you're in the driver's seat for a playoff spot. Lose, and you know you'd likely just need to win out to earn a spot. A 12-1 conference champ is hard to argue with. 
• Either way, the last three weeks a perilous but navigatable. Georgia Tech will be a tougher out Brent Key, but Clemson has too much talent. Drake Maye is unbelievable, but Clemson had his number in 2022. That leaves a revenge game at South Carolina on the schedule. The Tigers likely already have that one circled in red on the calendar. 

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