Tigers Today: Conference alliance won’t impact Clemson future opponents

On3 imageby:Pete Nakos08/25/21

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Conference alliance won’t impact Clemson future opponents

The alliance between the ACC, Big Ten and Pac-12 became official Tuesday afternoon in a joint press conference with commissioners Jim Phillips, Kevin Warren and George Kliavkoff.

The conferences are aligned on issues of governance, including eligibility, academic reputation and the future of the NCAA, Name-Image-Likeness, social justice, and the college season and postseason.

They also agreed to keep future nonconference opponents in tact. For Clemson, that means the current rivalry game with South Carolina, which is scheduled through the 2037 season, is not going anywhere. The Tigers also have multiple games scheduled Georgia and Notre Dame. A home-and-home with LSU (2025 and 2006) and Oklahoma (2035 and 2036) are also on the calendar.

The ACC only has eight conference games at the moment, while the Pac-12 and Big Ten each have nine. The number of conference games could be adjusted in the coming years to include more games between the three conferences.

Travis Etienne likely out for rookie season with foot injury

The preseason has been rough for a couple of former Clemson Tigers. The Jacksonville Jaguars have had some preseason struggles under first-year head coach Urban Meyer and things got much worse on Tuesday afternoon.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that rookie tailback Travis Etienne could miss the entire season with a Lisfranc injury that was suffered in Monday’s night preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.

Click here for a full breakdown on what the injury means for the former Clemson running back.

Breaking down Tigers center battle as season opener draws closer

Center is one of the most important positions on the offense. The center is not only tasked with protecting the quarterback and opening up rushing lanes, but it also must make protection calls at the line of scrimmage.

The coaching staff needs to be very confident in its center, particularly going up against a defensive front like Georgia’s. With no one else grabbing control of the center battle during camp, Bockhorst seems to be the best option.

The Tigers have held a competition throughout camp and ClemsonSports.com senior writer analyzed who he thinks will emerge as the starter.

READ MORE: Breaking down Tigers center battle as season opener draws closer

Counting down

  • Clemson vs. Georgia (season opener): 10 days
  • Clemson at South Carolina: 94 days