Clemson Football: What Tiger Fans Can Look for Come 2013

The Tigers, the Clemson Tigers that is, went into the Chick-fil-A Bowl against LSU, with many analysts writing off Clemson due to its supposed lack of physicality, and constantly reminded college football with their 27-17 loss against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

But on New Year's Eve, the Tigers in orange played like a team with something to prove and made a statement with a last-second field goal by kicker Chandler Cantanzaro to ice the LSU Tigers, 25-24. In a game where the Clemson Tigers took hits on offense, they gave them right back by consistently moving the ball against LSU's top 10 defense and giving out some hard hits from their struggling defense, which emerged in the primetime spotlight.

Tajh Boyd came out with a vengeance, a Clemson defense known for giving up the big plays made the big plays that ultimately provided Clemson with the chance to win, and the entire team responded when things started to tip in LSU's favor.

The Tigers certainly started out the New Year on the right foot, and now Tiger fans have to wait until next fall to see gametime action. But for Tiger fans, it's not over quite yet. The offseason is where it all begins anew, and that could provide a look for what the Tigers may do in 2013.

Here are some things the Tigers will be looking for come the offseason and the rest of 2013.

The Return of Tajh Boyd and Deandre Hopkins

Clemson fans, before anything else, are awaiting the looming decisions of All-ACC and AFCA All-American quarterback Tajh Boyd and All-ACC and Third-Team All American receiver Deandre "Nuk" Hopkins and whether they will forgo the upcoming NFL draft and return for their senior seasons.

Boyd finished the season with 3,896 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, and compiled 514 rushing yards to go along with 10 touchdowns on the ground. Hopkins finished as Clemson's top target at receiver with 1,405 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. Both performed admirably in the Peach Bowl, and it was thanks to Hopkins' catch on 4th-and-16 that kept the Tigers' game-winning drive alive.

The opinion on Boyd has been varied, with many pegging him as a mid- to late-round prospect before the bowl game, citing that he could benefit from another year. Many are hoping the return of offensive coordinator Chad Morris, who interviewed both NC State and Texas Tech for their head-coaching positions, could be enough to bring Boyd back for one more year.

While these two have not let on whether they will return, their decisions will be coming soon, and if they come back, this team has a chance to do some special things in 2013. 

Rise at Running Back

Starting running back Andre Ellington decided to return for his senior season to elevate his own draft status, and he certainly did so by rushing for 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns and being named First Team All-ACC. He also proved he could make it through an entire season healthy, which he was unable to do in his first two years as the full-fledged starter.

Now, Ellington will depart and leave a big hole at the running back position. And so far, Rod McDowell is the prime option to fill the vacant position.

Primarily buried as a backup running back for some time, McDowell's role was expanded after the departure of former running back Mike Bellamy, who was dismissed from the team for academic reasons. Both him and running back DJ Howard have split time behind Ellington. But McDowell has done well when his number has been called, and Howard has struggled with nagging injuries to get extended looks on the field. And freshman Zac Brooks, who the coaches would have preferred to redshirt, was the fourth running back on the roster due to lack of number and the concern of Howard's health.

McDowell excelled as a change-of-pace back and ran well both between and outside the tackles. The role of the workhorse will first be placed upon him, while Howard and Brooks compete for more playing time. The Tigers will also bring in two freshman running backs in their 2013 recruiting class in Tyshon Dye and Wayne Gallman.

Overall, this is the biggest question mark on offense outside of the status of Boyd and Hopkins.

Defensive Maturity

In a new defense, the Tigers undoubtedly gave up their number of big plays in 2012, and many thought it would be their downfall against LSU. But it turned out to be a determining factor in Clemson's victory.

First-year coordinator Brent Venables called a good game and coached a great defense against this physical LSU team, and got pressure on LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger all night long. Many left the game feeling good about the defense. 

And now, Venables will have a full offseason to continue implementing his system. The defensive line came along and dominated LSU's line with a kind of pass rush that has not been there at times. The Tigers lose only Mallicah Goodman at defensive end, and defensive line coaches Dan Brooks and Marion Hobby can continue to mold this young defensive line that came into its own against LSU.

The linebackers also saw improvement in Venables' first year as defensive coordinator, especially once Shuey was made the starter at the Mike position, replacing former 5-star recruit Stephone Anthony. Quandon Christian rotated with Travis Blanks at the hybrid nickel/Sam position, and Jonathan Willard handled the Will spot all season long.

Now, both Willard and backup Corico Wright will depart, leaving former 5-star recruit Tony Steward in position for the job. Coaches are also considering moving Anthony to Will to give him more space to run and hit.

The secondary hurt Clemson the most on defense with questionable technique and too many big plays in the passing game. Here, the Tigers lose safeties Rashard Hall and Jonathan Meeks. But, the Tigers will move the talented Travis Blanks, who worked at the nickel spot, to safety full time, while Robert Smith will likely get the first crack at the other safety position.

A Motivated Sammy Watkins

The 2012 season was not the kind of season Sammy Watkins was expecting when it came to his own performance. Taking college football by storm in 2011, Watkins was named an AP All-American, breaking the 1,000-yard mark in receiving yards and a good number of all-purpose yards in the ACC.

Watkins missed three games, two of which were due to suspension and one of which was due to an illness. And on top of that, Watkins had trouble getting into a rhythm as a result of nagging injuries, and his opportunity to shine was thwarted on the second possession against LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl when he suffered a high ankle sprain. Watkins had only three touchdown receptions in 2012 to go along with 708 receiving yards.

While Watkins could likely sit out the the spring, he should be ready to go by fall camp, and this will be perhaps the most motivated player on an offense not lacking in talent and options at receiver. Watkins' sophomore year wasn't the sensational year his freshman season was, but you bet that Watkins intends to make up for that lost time come next fall.