Joel Klatt explains why Clemson will run the ACC in 2023

Clemson has owned the ACC as of late, winning seven of the past eight league titles. Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt expects that domination to continue in 2023.

Klatt recently spoke on The Joel Klatt Show about his expectations for the ACC this season.

Yes, Florida State is getting a lot of hype this preseason, but Klatt expects Clemson to come out on top when the dust settles. Dabo Swinney bringing in former Broyles Award winner Garrett Riley this offseason is a big reason why.

“Garrett Riley did a sensational job with Max Duggan last year, who wasn’t even the starter to begin the year with TCU,” Klatt said. “When they’ve got a run game and a guy like Kendre Miller like he had at TCU – and now he’s going to have Will Shipley – he can be dynamic in the run game and the screen game.”

Klatt is a big believer in new Clemson starting quarterback Cade Klubnik.

The Texas native was up and down while receiving limited playing time in his first season with the Tigers. But now Klubnik is the unquestioned starting QB and leader of the offense. Klatt expects him to have a big year.

“They’re going to be able to throw the ball. Klubnik is a really good player – a really good player. Probably should’ve been playing the majority of the time last year,” Klatt said. “This is why Clemson is going to run the ACC. This is why I have them rated ahead of Florida State. And this is why it’s not time for the Seminoles yet.”

Klatt does expect Florida State to be good, just not as good as Clemson. He predicts the Seminoles will exit September with a pair of losses.

“I think the Seminoles are going to be a really good team. I’ve got them in the top 10. So this is not about me hating on Florida State. This is me accurately looking at the LSU matchup, which does not favor Florida State, and the Clemson matchup, which does not favor Florida State,” Klatt said. “And I can accurately say Florida State is going to be 2-2 in their first four games. Now they may go on to win 10 games, but it’s not going to be a team that really competes for an ACC title.”

Klatt did throw in one caveat and that is the health of the two teams in the ACC Championship game. He believes it’s quite possible that Florida State and Clemson will face off twice in 2023 and that whichever team is more healthy in the second game could come out on top.

“Here is where it gets interesting – the ACC doing away with divisions, so they could get a rematch against Clemson. Then it comes down to health… are your quarterbacks healthy? Are your best players healthy?” Klatt said. “That’s going to be a fascinating deal. Clemson’s roster is still better than that roster at Florida State, in particular when you look at that blue chip ratio. Clemson has still got the nod.”