Why is Clemson Getting So Much Hype?

Going into the 2008 college football season, the Clemson Tigers lost virtually all offensive linemen and linebackers/leading tacklers. So with so many young recruits filling in the offensive line and linebacker positions, may I ask why Clemson is getting so much hype?

Now those are the questions I have heard so much this preseason. And to be quite honest, I'm sick of it. Yes, I agree that the line and linebacker positions could have a huge impact. But who else are you going to pick to win the ACC?

All I have to say is Clemson is going in with the No. 1 recruit in the nation (DE DaQuan Bowers) and the No. 2 overall class in the nation. Some of these recruits will start right away and have a huge impact.

But enough with recruits. Does anyone ever give credit to the most underrated QB in the nation, Cullen Harper? I mean, he had 2,991 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only six interceptions.

Those stats are better than the ACC 2007 offensive player of the year, Matt Ryan. But behind Cullen, the best RB tandem in the nation exists with James Davis (1,064 yards, 10 TD) and CJ Spiller (768 yards, 3 TD).

And to tell you the truth, it's not just the backfield, it's all around. Six Clemson players receive Preseason honors. (RB's James Davis and CJ Spiller, WR Aaron Kelly, and QB Cullen Harper) receive offensive honors, while defensive players (S Michael Hamlin, DE Ricky Sapp) receive defensive honors.

It's now or never for coach Tommy Bowden in his ninth year at Clemson , trying to get Tigertown it's first ACC title since 1991. All I can say is that they have the talent, the coaching, and the schedule. So Tigers, is it this year?

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