Sam Leavitt declares at Clemson as his dream road opponent

Sometimes, the favorite team growing up does not wind up being the destination. Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is an example, saying he was a Clemson fan as a kid — despite growing up in Portland, Oregon. His college choice wound up being just a little more local, calling Tempe home.

But just because he was a fan does not mean Leavitt would not love an opportunity to go up against Dabo Swinney‘s group. ESPN’s Greg McElroy asked Leavitt for his dream matchup, selecting Clemson.

“Well, I grew up a Clemson fan,” Leavitt said. “So, I’d probably say playing at Clemson would be my dream spot.”

McElroy then asked if Leavitt would “take it to them” or talk some smack with Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. He responded by saying “Yeah, oh yeah. You can ask (Kansas State quarterback) Avery (Johnson). We were out there throwing routes on air. I just like to talk a little smack. It’s just friendly competition… I’m just out there playing around.”

Turns out, Leavitt was talking about their time at the Manning Passing Academy. Johnson was then asked exactly what Leavitt was saying and he decided to plead the fifth. Apparently, not suitable for an ESPN podcast and probably rightfully so. Who knows what would be said in the actual heat of battle with more than just air defending receivers.

Moving back to Leavitt’s dream matchup. There has actually never been a game between Arizona State and Clemson throughout time. We were just one game away from them meeting up during last season’s College Football Playoff. Clemson faced Texas in the first round and unfortunately lost, setting up a quarterfinal between ASU and UT in the Peach Bowl.

Unfortunately, the schedule does not currently call for Arizona State-Clemson at any point this upcoming season. However, both teams are going to be in contention for the CFP once again. Clemson is likely going to be considered the favorite to win the ACC, while Arizona State runs it back with Leavitt under head coach Kenny Dillingham.

A lot of football will unfold between now and then, though. Leavitt will take the field on Aug. 30 with an easier one, going up against Northern Arizona. Arizona State then travels into SEC territory to play Mississippi State for an intriguing game.

If Leavitt does find himself opposite Clemson this year, something went right. A good goal in order to fulfill the dream opponent.