Projecting Clemson's 2021 season using ESPN FPI

ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) projects Clemson to have another successful season in 2021. Clemson’s projected FPI in 2021 is 26.6, which is the second-highest in the nation. ESPN gives the Tigers a 34.3% chance of winning out and an 80.8% chance of winning the ACC. These numbers are subject to change as the season gets underway.

Here is a game-by-game look at Clemson’s schedule, as projected by ESPN’s FPI:

Georgia (Bank of America Stadium): Clemson’s toughest test in 2021 could very well be right out of the gates in week one against Georgia. The Bulldogs have an FPI of 19.2, which is a top-five rating. The FPI projects Clemson to have a 71.3% chance at winning this game. If the Tigers can do that, it would be the ultimate confidence booster for Uiagalelei in his first start of the season.

South Carolina State: Following the tough season-opening matchup, the Tigers return home for what looks to be an easier game against SC State, who is not included in ESPN’s FPI. The Tigers have a strong 99.9% chance to win this game.

Georgia Tech: Clemson’s first ACC game of the season comes at home against Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets have a projected FPI of 2.3, which is 57th in the nation. Clemson won this game 73-7 a year ago. ESPN gives Clemson a 96.3% chance to start 1-0 in its AAC opener.

At NC State: The Wolfpack have an improving roster and could surprise some this season. Their FPI is projected at 5.6, 41st in the country. Despite heading on the road in this ACC matchup, Clemson is given a 90.3% chance to take this one.

Boston College: Boston College checks in with a top-50 projected FPI at 3.8. Uiagalelei’s first collegiate start came last season in the Tigers’ 34-28 victory over the Eagles, so there is some familiarity here. ESPN projects Clemson with a 96% chance to win.

At Syracuse: The Orange barely cracks the top 100 in ESPN’s FPI with a rating of -7.1. This contest will wrap up the first half of Clemson’s season. ESPN projects the Tigers to do so with a win, as they have a 97.9% chance to defeat Syracuse.

At Pittsburgh: ESPN projects this as Clemson’s toughest ACC contest of the season, with the Tigers having an 88.8% chance at winning. Pittsburgh has an FPI of 6.8, which is 32nd in the nation.

Florida State: The Seminoles come in as the 44th highest FPI at 5.1. These two teams did not play a season ago due to COVID. ESPN projects the Tigers to have a 95% chance at victory in this late October matchup.

Louisville: This is Clemson’s final road game of its ACC schedule. Louisville’s RPI is middle of the pack at 5.3, 43rd in the country. The Tigers have a 90.5% chance to take this contest.

UConn: Clemson gets one week of a break against ACC opponents when UConn comes to town in November. The Huskies are not rated highly as their FPI is at -22.8, which is ranked 127th. The Tigers have a 99.8% chance of winning.

Wake Forest: This serves as the final ACC matchup and last home game of the season for Clemson. Wake Forest comes in with a projected FPI of 2.7, ranked 56th. ESPN projects Clemson to have a 96.2% shot at ending conference play on a high note.

South Carolina: The Tigers started their season away from home against an SEC team, and they’ll finish the regular season off in the same way when they travel to take on South Carolina. The Gamecocks are coming off of a down season, which has their FPI at 0.4, 65th in the nation. Clemson has a 94.6% chance at ending its season with a victory.

Despite losing its star quarterback, ESPN’s FPI projects Clemson to be one of the best teams in college football again in 2021. If DJ Uiagalelei lives up to his potential and plays as well as many believe he will, the Tigers have a shot at returning to the College Football Playoff yet again.