BCS Projections: Does 5-0 Start Make Clemson a National Title Contender?

Talk about an unexpected start to a season.

After a 5-0 start to the season, the Clemson Tigers look as good as any team in college football and are steamrolling through their competition. 

Through five games, Clemson already has three wins against Top 25 teams, beating Auburn, Florida State and Virginia Tech in three consecutive weeks. Not to mention, two of the three wins have not been close games, as the wins over Auburn and Virginia Tech were convincing victories.

Prior to the match against the Tigers, Virginia Tech had allowed just 12.6 points per game, a mark that ranks No. 8 in the nation. Talk about a team making things happen, as Clemson seems to have a complete team, both on offense and defense.

The big reason why this Clemson offense is off to a hot start is quarterback Tahj Boyd. In five games this season, Boyd has recorded 1,459 yards, 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Boyd has also been especially accurate throwing the football, completing a whopping 61.3 percent of his passes.

On offense the wide receiving core has shown speed and a knack for catching deep balls. Four wide receivers have touchdowns of 50 yards or longer this season, with featured WR Sammy Watkins snagging a 65-yard touchdown on one of his six for the season.

Defensively, the Tigers have proven to be as sound as any team in the nation and have been heating up. Last week against Virginia Tech, the team allowed just three points the entire game. If anything, the defense would be the weaker of the two for Clemson, yet they have continued to show improvements and seem to outscore opponents with ease.

The question now becomes, with the heart of the ACC schedule ahead of them and two crucial road games against South Carolina and Georgia Tech awaiting them, can the Tigers come through? Are these Tigers for real?

Based on their recent success and domination on offense, one would have to think so.