Preseason Top 15 Countdown #7

Preseason Top 15 Countdown

 

15. Notre Dame

14. Miami

13. LSU

12. Texas A&M

11. Florida State

10. Oklahoma

  9. Florida

  8. Louisville

  7. Clemson

  6.

  5.

  4.

  3.

  2.

  1.

 

 

   Clemson will start the season with some high expectations; something they aren't really used to yet. At ACC media days, the Tigers were the clear cut favorite to win the ACC and represent the ACC in a BCS Bowl. Will it be as simple as that? Mmmm, I'm not fully on board with that prediction.

    Now, I agree that Clemson is in the best position to win the conference this year, but we still haven't seen how their defense has adjusted to 2nd year D Coordinator, Coach Venables. The Tigers' defense made some huge strides during the season, especially late in the season. Their win over LSU gave them some great momentum heading into this season.

 

     Here is a look at the Tigers' schedule:

 

Georgia

South Carolina State

Wake Forest

At Syracuse

Boston College

Florida State

At Maryland

At Virginia

Georgia Tech

Citadel

At South Carolina

 

     Of course, we will all be watching when Georgia heads into Death Valley. That game will be very interesting. It will mean so much to both teams, but yet, it won't make or break the season for either team. Don't get me wrong, obviously the team that wins will put themselves in the driver's seat early on in the season for the final BCS National Title game. But that doesn't mean the season is over for the loser. That's the beauty of an early NON-CONFERENCE game against a top ten opponent.

     Outside of the big games (Georgia, Florida State, and South Carolina), there are a couple other games the Tigers should keep an eye on as well..... At Syracuse could be interesting, then coming back home after two straight road games to play against Georgia Tech has 'trap game' written all over it.

 

      I am going to say that the success of this season hinges more on the play of their defense than it does on their offense. Clemson's offense will be fine. Sure, there are some key players gone from last season's roster, but Boyd at QB, and Watkins being a wild card should help keep the offense from missing a beat. If this team starts with a win.......watch out for Clemson.

 

    Send Questions or Comments to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com or post them to our Facebook page. Each week I do a Reader Question Segment and I tackle your questions and comments. Thanks for reading and check for more updates. Oh, and one other thing.... HAPPY AUGUST! FOOTBALL IS COMING SOON!!