After the 2011 season, the Clemson Tigers are going into 2012 with a little higher expectations than this time last year. Clemson had question marks all over and honestly, never had any thought of starting 8-0. It seems that when the expectations are there for Clemson to make some noise they let people down. On the other hand, when nobody expects them to do anything special they tend to turn people's heads. So, the question for Clemson is, can they block out what the media and fans expect them to do? Or will they do what they did last year? (get to 8-0 and start buying into the hype and lose focus, get an invite to play in a BCS bowl but not actually show up). Sorry Clemson fans, that even hurt me a little.....but only a little.
The defense is where I have the most questions. A defense that gave up 70+ points in a BCS bowl.... Think about that for a moment, take it in. SEVENTY POINTS. There are teams that don't score seventy points in three games. This wasn't a regular season blowout. This was supposed to be the best the ACC had to offer. ESPN doesn't have Clemson in their preseason top 10 and it might have something to do with that showing against West Virginia. Out with the old and in with Brent Venables. Venables will take over as Defensive Coordinator for the Tigers. Let's face it, Clemson's Defense was mid-level at best. Venables, formerly with Oklahoma, has his work cut out for him. I won't say that the Tigers will magically have a great defense, but I do think they will improve enough for them to be in the hunt for another ten win season.
Something that should have Clemson fans feeling good about the upcoming season is the offense. Returning a couple of key players like Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins definitely gives something opposing defenses cannot ignore. The offense may have started slow last season but they were firing on all cylinders by midway through the season. Giving the players another off-season in the system just makes them that much more dangerous. Dabbo Sweeney has to be feeling good about his team's offense going into the fall. If the defense can keep games close, then I think the offense will be able to answer the call.
Clemson has the ability to make a run in the ACC again. How will they respond to high expectations? They may get a chance to redeem themselves in a BCS bowl. Either way, Clemson has to start fast in order to help fans forget about the beating they took in their final game last season.
Next on my Preseason Top 10 is #9 Georgia. Can Mark Richt put together another solid season and get back to the SEC Championship game?
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