Clemson’s 2020 CFP Title Odds Unchanged after Quiet NSD

• The Clemson Tigers are still listed as favorites to win the 2020 college football National Championship
• The Tigers’ recruiting class finished ranked 10th in the nation, well behind no. 1 Alabama
• Clemson are expected to be heavy favorites in all 12 games on their regular-season schedule

National Signing Day came and went for the Clemson Tigers without a splash.  They added two more players to the 2019 class in 3-star running back Michel Dukes and 2-star offensive lineman Mason Trotter.

The lack of action wasn’t a surprise after landing 27 commitments in the Early Signing Period in December, but the quiet afternoon has led to an interesting question:  did any of the other top candidates bridge the gap?

2020 College Football National Championship Odds

Clemson Still Clear Favorite Next Season

The odds still have Clemson listed as the favorite over Alabama before a large drop off in the odds to Georgia and Ohio State.

There’s wisdom to be taken from the fact these odds have changed.  Recruiting classes are to be treated more like the MLB draft, where you assume the players you land are a year or two away from contributing.

There are rare cases where freshman come in and dominate, but no players of that ilk were still on the board on National Signing Day; they all signed during the early signing period.

#TBT to exact one month ago. Still just as sweet. pic.twitter.com/FVcnrPeK33

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) February 8, 2019

Clemson returns several players from their National Championship-winning team, most importantly Heisman-contending QB Trevor Lawrence.

The lone fact he is returning makes Clemson a favorite to repeat in 2019.

Clemson Recruiting Class Ranked 10th

The 10th-ranked recruiting class seems low for a team that just finished the season #1, but context is important here.  The Tigers finished with the best class in the ACC yet again, so among their immediate competition, they actually widened the gap.

Down the road could finishing behind Alabama, Georgia, LSU and others this year hurt in the College Football Playoff? It could. But this isn’t rare territory for Dabo Swinney to be in.  His classes the last four years finished ranked 4th (2015), 8th (2016), 10th (2017), and 5th (2018).

This position is right where the program expected to be, and Swinney has proven that, with this level of talent, he has more than enough to compete for and win National Championships.

We're not crying… YOU'RE CRYING ?

Dabo surprised his equipment manager with tickets to the Super Bowl. (via @ClemsonFB)pic.twitter.com/QCcAzenOiL

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) February 2, 2019

Tigers Schedule Creates Easy Path to CFP

Clemson projects to be favored, likely by double digits, in every single game on their schedule next year. They have by far the easiest path back to the College Football Playoff with their toughest games being a home date against Texas A&M and a road game at pesky Syracuse.

A ticket to the dance doesn’t guarantee anything, but it gives you a chance, and that’s all Clemson needs.  If they get in, would you want your money against Lawrence and the Tiger offense?

Looking back at his season, it is easy to see why Trevor Lawrence garnered Elite status. (Hint: its more than JUST the hair) pic.twitter.com/5HbYqvsg5r

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 3, 2019

The earlier you get on the Clemson hype train, the better off you’ll be.  The price still looks good and will only get closer and closer to even odds as the wins rack up next season.

Don’t be scared off by a good-but-not-great recruiting class.  Worry about that down the road, and stick with Dabo Swinney and the Tigers next year.