Five Reasons the Clemson Tigers Won't Win the Atlantic Division in 2010

This is the second of two articles on Clemson's chances of repeating as Atlantic Division champions in the 2010 season. The first article, Five Reasons Clemson Will Win The Atlantic Division , covered what needs to happen for Clemson to take the division crown. This article will cover what could cause the Tigers to fall short of winning the Atlantic Division in 2010.  

1. Tajh Boyd starts at quarterback and plays like a freshman.

If Kyle Parker leaves to play Major League Baseball and skips fall football, Tajh Boyd will start at quarterback. Although extremely talented, Boyd lacks experience and would undoubtedly make a few freshman mistakes.

A few freshman mistakes is no problem, but if Boyd plays like a first year quarterback all season, the odds of him leading the Tigers to the ACC title game are slim at best.

2. The offense can't overcome the loss of C.J. Spiller.

The case can easily be made for C.J. Spiller as the best offensive player in Clemson history. Obviously, no one person will be able to replace the production that Spiller gave the Tigers.

However, if the offense as a whole can't absorb the loss of Spiller and keep offensive output near that of last year, the pressure on the Tiger's defense will be too much.

3. A few receivers get injured.

The receiving core has potential to be decent next season, but if just a couple receivers get injured, things will get pretty shaky pretty fast.

This group doesn't have exceptional depth that can play at a high level. If two or three potential starters get hurt, the Clemson offense will be limping on the running game all season.

4. The defense looks good on paper, but fails to win games.

Everyone expects great things from the defense next season. The defensive side of the ball will need to be the cornerstone of a run at the Atlantic Division title.

In order to win the Division, the defense will have to win at least a couple games for the Tigers next season. Without an elite defensive unit next season, Clemson might find itself in trouble.

5. Florida State beats Clemson in Tallahassee

Florida State or Clemson will, in all likelihood, head to the ACC title game next season.

The FSU vs. Clemson game on November 13 could very well decide the Atlantic Division champion. This game isn't the be all to end all, but if the Tigers lose to Florida State, it'll be very difficult for Clemson to put up a better conference record than the Seminoles without help from a tiebreaker.