College Football Rankings 2011: Is This No. 8 Clemson's Year?

The Clemson Tigers are off to their best start since 2006, when they made it to 7-1 before tumbling to an 8-4 finish to the season.

In 2011, however, the Tigers are a perfect 6-0 to the season, picking up impressive wins over Auburn, Florida State and Virginia Tech, all of which were ranked at the time.

Clemson's hot start saw it shoot up the polls, beginning the year unranked before cracking the polls in Week 4 at No. 21.

Dabo Swinney's Tigers bounced up to No. 13 and No. 8 in subsequent weeks before settling again at the eighth spot in Week 7's AP Top 25.

Many had doubts about Clemson's legitimacy after triumphs over Auburn and Florida State, but momentum has carried the team to a great start and a share of the ACC's top record with No. 13 Georgia Tech.

Could this be Clemson's shot at claiming an ACC title in what would be the school's first since 1991 under Ken Hatfield?

Tough Road Ahead

The Tigers have ridden the great play of Tajh Boyd to their 6-0 mark, as the sophomore signal caller has compiled 1459 yards with 14 touchdowns and two interceptions.

On offense and defense, Clemson is sound, performing well enough to secure victories, some more comfortable then others.

The Tigers probably benefited from playing just one of its first six games on the road. But the schedule flips against them for the second half of the season as four of their final six matches are away from Clemson Memorial Stadium.

Road trips to Maryland, Georgia Tech, NC State and South Carolina to round out the season will make it tough for Clemson to maintain its unbeaten streak, as the Oct. 29 matchup with the Yellow Jackets could very well be a preview of the ACC Championship Game.

Make no mistake, though. Swinney's Tigers have proven resilient away from home, going into the dangerous Lane Stadium only to handle the Hokies 23-3, for their lone road win to date.

Winning the Atlantic

All things considered, Clemson is in a prime position to claim the ACC Atlantic crown. With Florida State and Maryland at 0-2 and 1-1 respectively in conference, the Tigers only have to worry about Wake Forest maintaining its unbeaten mark.

Clemson could lose to Georgia Tech on Oct. 29, making the following week's game against the Demon Deacons that much more crucial.

With just three division games remaining, winning at least two of those all but guarantees Clemson's spot in the title game.

The Tigers have the make and model to make a run at an ACC crown and legitimately contend for a BCS bowl win. But the road to either of those can be cast with wins over the Terrapins and the Demon Deacons.

And a victory over No. 18 South Carolina during Rivalry Week certainly would not hurt Clemon's BCS standing.