Clemson Tigers Football: Winners and Losers from the First Month

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers have started the season 5-0 for the first time since they went 8-0 in 2000.  Hopefully they can keep the momentum rolling for the rest of the season and bring a Championship back to Death Valley.

The five games that the Tigers have won this season have all been against teams that won a championship last season.  The Virginia Tech Hokies were the ACC Champions, Florida State was the ACC Atlantic Division Champion, Troy and Wofford were both Conference Champions, and Auburn was, of course, the National Champion.

Winner: Tajh Boyd

The Sophomore quarterback has been on fire this season.  Boyd acquired the second best single-game passing total in school history when he threw for 386 yards against Auburn. 

Coach Swinney is impressed with him as well, saying two weeks ago, "I'm most proud of his leadership because he's making everyone around him better."

Loser: Florida Recruiting

There is a significant amount of Clemson players who have come out of the great recruiting state of Florida including CJ Spiller, Jaime Harper, and Sammy Watkins.  Florida universities are letting these great players slip out of their mitts to head towards Clemson.

Winner: Sammy Watkins

The freshman wide receiver has been stealing the spotlight from upper classmen.  Against Florida State Watkins had 141 receiving yards with two touchdowns off just eight receptions.

Loser: Andre Ellington

The Junior had all of the attention in his earlier days with Clemson, much like new target Sammy Watkins.  Ellington gets less touches and has been less productive with the young guns stealing the spotlight.

Winner: Offense

The Tigers' offense in general has just been phenomenal so far.  Against Auburn they had 624 yards, the third highest total in school history.

Overall Clemson has a bright future.  Dabo is getting into the swing of things and he has great chemistry on the field not only on offense, but the defense is full of playmakers that are able to stop just about any opponent coming their way.