College Football Preview: Clemson

Clemson

11-2 in 2012 (7-1 in the ACC)                                                        defeated LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl

2012 Recap:

It’s hard to say that an 11-2 season would be a disappointment, but that is exactly what Clemson fans would say about 2012. The Tigers lost to FSU which kept them out of the ACC title game, and ultimately the BCS. The Tigers also lost to South Carolina for the fourth consecutive season. On the positive side, Clemson book-ended their season with wins over two SEC teams, Auburn and LSU.

The LSU game was the best game of the bowl season, and it really put a positive spin on a season that had no true bright spot until the game winning field goal went through the uprights at the Georgia Dome.

The Schedule:

It doesn't get any bigger than Clemson’s opening game of the 2013 season. The Clemson/Georgia rivalry is one that means a lot to each fan base, but the 2013 edition will mean even more to the team that survives. College Gameday will be on hand for the top 10 match up, just to add to the excitement of a night game in 

Death Valley.

After the Georgia game, Clemson travels to NC State where they lost in 2011. The Tigers also have to travel to the Carrier Dome to play new ACC member Syracuse. Last season, Syracuse managed to upset Louisville, so that game might not be as easy as some might think. Clemson does host FSU and Georgia Tech this season, but they finish their schedule by heading to Columbia to take on South Carolina.

Key Returner:

Quarterback Tajh Boyd. Boyd has been incredibly consistent in his two seasons as the starting quarterback for Clemson. In 2011 Boyd through for 33 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while being sacked 31 times. In 2012 Boyd through for 36 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while being sacked, wait for it, 31 times. Boyd threw for 3896 yards in 2012, after throwing for 3828 yards in 2011. Boyd played well in the lost to FSU last season, but struggled against South Carolina, throwing for only 183 yards and completing less than 50% of his passes for the only time last season. Despite stereotypes, Boyd isn't much of a runner, but he does use his feet exceptionally well to keep plays going. Boyd returning to the Tigers makes them legitimate national title contenders as well as the favorite in the ACC.

Key Loss:

Wide Receiver DeAndre Hopkins. When people think about Clemson wide receivers most people think about Sammy Watkins, and for good reason. Watkins had a fantastic freshmen season with over 1200 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns in 2011, but last year, Watkins was plagued by injuries all season. Hopkins stepped up in a huge way last year. Hopkins had 82 receptions for 1405 yards and 18, yes 18 touchdowns. With Hopkins gone this season, the pressure will be back on Watkins to produce. Clemson is never void of talent at the skill positions, but until another receiver steps up, Watkins will be double covered on every play. Hopkins leaves a huge void for the Clemson offense that will need to be just as explosive as it has been in the past if Clemson is going to have the type of season their fans are expecting.

Success Will Be:

Winning the ACC title and a BCS bowl game. Clemson has all the talent they need to win the ACC, but if they lose even one game, they will be out of the running for the national title. If they win the ACC, it will be important for the program to put on a better display than they did a couple of years ago against West Virginia. Nationally all anyone remembers about Clemson in that Orange Bowl is that West Virginia put up 70 points. 70. As in 10 touchdowns. 70.

2013 Prediction:

Clemson is legit. Their offense should be as good as any in the country and their defense should get even better in the second year under Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables. If Clemson can beat Georgia to open the season, I think they will be undefeated when they go to Columbia to take on South Carolina. It’s hard for me to see them beating both Georgia and South Carolina, so I’ll go with Clemson being 11-1 in the regular season and winning the ACC. For Clemson’s sake, I hope they get a top tier opponent in the Orange Bowl so they have a chance to redeem themselves. Beating Northern Illinois will impress no one.