ACC Preview (Clemson)

Clemson – Last Year (8-5, 5-3) Returning Starters: 10 (3 off., 7 def.)

Clemson’s 2006 season started to crash after its highest point, a 31-7 blowout of Georgia Tech. Five days later, Clemson traveled to Virginia Tech and, despite the Hokies having lost two of three, got beat 24-7. It was all downhill from there, with Clemson losing 4 out of 5. This year, expectations range from league champions to much worse. Clemson returns only 10 starters, with just 3 of those coming on offense.

Offense: Clemson had a high powered running attack last year with James Davis and C.J. Spiller leading the way with over 2100 yards and 27 touchdowns combined. However, with only one starting lineman returning (Barry Richardson) and only one other with significant playing time (Chris McDuffie), it may be difficult for Clemson’s dangerous duo to replicate last year’s performance. To make matters worse, Clemson is likely to start Jr. QB Cullen Harper, who only threw 20 passes last year. Willy Korn, a talented, highly touted true frosh, may work his way into starting lineup if Harper struggles.

Defense: Clemson’s defense, which ranked third in overall yards given up in the ACC last year, returns 7 starters. However, the Tigers must replace ACC Defensive Player of the year and #4 overall draft pick Gaines Adams. They do, however, return the other three starters from the defensive line. At Linebacker the Tigers have Nick Watkins and Chris Clemons returning, and they combined for 218 tackles in 2006. Although losing two starters from the defensive backfield, the performance probably will not drop off too much. Look for Marcus Gilchrist, a true freshman, to play a fair amount from day one.

Special Teams: Jacoby Ford, the sophomore speedster screamed onto the scene last year as a return specialist. Look for Richard Jackson to kick and Jimmy Maners to punt.

Conclusion: Clemson’s defense and run game out to keep them in most games, but it won’t be enough to win the Atlantic.

S 3rd Florida State L
S 8th UL Monroe W
S 15th Furman W
S 22nd at NC State W
S 29th at Georgia Tech L
O 6th Virginia Tech L
O 20th Central Michigan W
O 27th at Maryland W
N 3rd at Duke W
N 10th Wake Forest L
N 17th Boston College L
N 24th at South Carolina L