Clemson is 20 to 1

Whether in the pursuit of gambling or not, it is always good food for thought to check out which way the betting public is leaning. I will survey the lines from various Las Vegas outlets just to get a vibe on things. After all, those casinos did not build themselves - these oddsmakers are hardly idiots. Recently I checked into the odds for who will win the upcoming BCS championship. Your early line favorite, quite obviously - Southern Cal at 7 to 2. Not so obvious - Clemson, at 20 to 1.

Sounds like long odds until you compare it to everyone else. LSU at 15 to 1. Texas at 25 to 1. So you like Michigan? You can have them at 60 to 1. (Oh, the Gamecocks you say? Try 100 to 1. Personally, I would not take them at 500 to 1.)

While I certainly do not think Clemson will win the National Championship, playing for one is not a total pipe dream. As a sidebar, I would be shocked if they did not win the Atlantic Division and play for the ACC Championship. So why all this confidence in the boys from Tiger Town?

First, and foremost, the schedule. Most preseason magazines have Clemson's schedule ranked in the bottom half of the country (as low as 70th by one outlet.) Sad to say, but Carolina might be one of the top three or four teams they face - especially at season's end when the QB situation settles. Only one Clemson opponent is in ESPN's preseason top 25 - Wake at 22.

Clemson's schedule is more about who they do not play, rather than who they do. No Virginia Tech, no Miami, and no UNC (don't laugh, the Heels are going to be a team no one wants to play in the near future). Virginia Tech is ranked 20th in ESPN's preseason poll. They, Wake, and Clemson are the only ACC teams ranked in ESPN's top 25.

The second reason is talent. Offensively, they have it in spades. Although depth at linebacker may cause Clemson to have to outscore some people, they certainly have enough offense to do it.

Third, they will probably be favored in every game they play. BC has no Matt Ryan. Wake is good, but still is not as talented. FSU has no quarterback, and has shown no signs of righting the ship. Georgia Tech will be in the first year of an unorthodox offense. Duke, Maryland, and NC St. - not very good and the games are at Clemson. UVA - mediocre. Alabama will be good - but probably not until the middle of the season.

Lastly, Tommy absolutely has to do it (win the ACC, that is). Clemson has had the title game in their grasp the last two years only to blow it. To not make it to the title game for a third year in a row would set records for underachivement. And, after all, three is the charm.

As far as the 20 - 1 for the national title goes, I would hardly think about it. They would not be able to stop Southern Cal or Florida. But to win the ACC? Clemson is a safe bet at any odds. So why are so many Clemson fans scared to take that bet?