Tommy Bowden and his Tigers are always on the brink of glory, yet they somehow find a way to come up just short.
But like Marky Mark, I think the Tigers will be feeling the "Good Vibrations" this year.
Last year the Tigers finished with an 8-4 record, but they again played better than their schedule showed.
Two losses demonstrate this: at the end of the season, where they lost to Boston College on a 43-yard bomb by Matt Ryan at the end of the game; and the bowl game, where Auburn defeated them by three points in OT.
But we're not surprised—this is Clemson, and this is just normal with them.
There was some good that came out of last season. Cullen Harper, a fifth-year senior this coming season, stepped up and claimed the starting QB role while gaining the confidence of his teammates.
He threw for 3,000 Yards with a 65 percent completion percentage and had an amazing 27 TDs with only six INTs.
The defense was stifling, allowing just 18.7 points a game. They return eight starters from that ACC-leading defense. Da'Quan Bowers, the No. 1 DE recruit this offseason, has thrived in spring practice and looks to take over the hole left by outgoing senior Phillip Merling.
Their secondary was the key, and they return all four starters there. Crezdon Butler and Chris Chancellor paired up and were the ACC's most feared corners, and possibly the two best in the Nation.
So their defense has no reason for a letdown and should maintain the same high intensity and lead the ACC again in total defense.
Let's not forget—this is still Clemson, so keep your hopeful thoughts tempered.
Well, the backfield is one of the best in the nation with James Davis, a workhorse who handles the majority of the load and is a great pass blocker. He is the thunder.
Also we have C.J. Spiller, the lightning to Davis' thunder. He is extremely fast and catches the ball well. He is the game breaker who also returns punts and kicks.
Aaron Kelly broke out last year, hauling in 88 passes for 1,081 yards and showing he can be the go-to guy at Clemson. But spring studs Xavier Dye and Marquan Jones have shown that they are capable of handling the receiving roles once Kelly departs.
Their O-line remains their lone question mark. They return only one starter but have three players with starting experience on the line. C Thomas Austin is the returning starter, but RG Barry Humphries and RT Chris Hairston have starting experience from last year.
While this could be their ultimate downfall, it is still possible for these Tigers to gel together and hold their own.
"I've got some questions concerning the offensive line with them being so young. That will be a concern, especially with such a quality opponent in our opener. But, with our returners and leaders, I feel good about the season." - Tommy Bowden
Bowden is still unsure about his line, but he still seems optimistic that they can come through.
8 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Lisa Horne about 1 year ago
I like Harper...he's the real deal. One of the top ten QBs in the country.
The only problem I see for Clemson is their sked- they don't play Va Tech or Miami. Throw in playing TWO FCS schools, and they will sink in the BCS computers.
Remember, only one of those two FCS games gets counted in the BCS rankings, so technically, they will have only played 11 games according to the non-human polls. This spells trouble. Huge trouble.
I don't know, Gage, I just don't know. I'm the fence. They need to beat Bama HUGE to have a chance. And that's only if Bama goes 8-4. Their schedule is just so weak this year. :(
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Gage Arnold about 1 year ago
That remains a huge problem, is that it could very well be TOO weak.
I am keeping my hopes high on them because I really think they have a fantasic team set in place, but this could play to their downfall.
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John Webb about 1 year ago
You say that Clemson went 8-4 last year. Actually Clemson won 9 games last year. I don't blame you, though; I blame Tommy Bowden. If only Tommy Bowden were a better coach then the pundits would credit him more often with actual accomplishments from previous years. One day he could build up to getting respect for expected future accomplishments. Frankly, if things don't go so well for Tommy this year, then you may want to expunge another win from 2007. It's not too late.
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Doug Adams about 1 year ago
i love there veteran group of defensive backs...a very underrated unit on the national level
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Gage Arnold about 1 year ago
Yea its gonna be very tough for anyone to score on them this year through the air.
They have to run the table and hope the rest of their schedule does well.
It's a longshot, but its possible.
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Daniel Brommer about 1 year ago
i agree with a lot of things in this article. it's a great read, the only thing is that clemson has great talent, yes, but they always seem to blow it. i don't even think they will win the acc, let alone the national championship. they will choke somehow, i can't predict the game because with clemson they could lose to anyone. i think they have the best team, probubly ever for them and their recruiting class was off the charts, now they have to put the pieces together and that seams like it's been a problem for them. they are a very exciting team to watch, they have three heisman hopefulls, even though that sounds crazy. i hope they do really good, and i'm saying that as an fsu fan, but i really don't think they will make it as far as you predict.
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Gage Arnold about 1 year ago
Thanks, and yes I sadly agree thats anothe problem with Clemson. They always find a way to mess anything good up.
But we can only watch and wait, should be in for a great college football season. :)
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BabyTate about 1 year ago
Sheer fantasy! Wake Forest will beat Clemson.
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