2008 Clemson Tigers College Football Predictions

The Tigers have the weapons to reach the ACC title game and win it. The question is, will they fall flat on their faces like they have the past three years? Find out if Clemson can claim its first ACC crown in 17 years in Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Clemson Tigers predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

The Tigers seem to have some deficiencies up front with four starters gone off the line. However, I think Clemson is talented enough to more than make up for its inexperience up front. Senior QB Cullen Harper broke numerous school records in his first year as starter. Tailbacks James Davis and C.J. Spiller are largely regarded as the best duo in the country. They'll cause opposing coaches to pull their hair out all season. The Tigers also return speedy receiver Jacoby Ford, who missed the final five games of 2007 with a broken ankle. Few can fly like this kid. But 6'5'' wide receiver Aaron Kelly, an Offensive Player of the Year candidate, will be a better option yet for Harper. The era of Clemson struggling again tough, physical defenses should be done this season as its offensive players will be too good.

Defense

The Tigers are solid up front with seniors Dorell Scott and Rashaad Jackson. The Tigers should also be able to count on a breakout year from junior Ricky Sapp at defensive end. He has the potential to be the best pass rusher in the conference. Freshman Da'Quan Bowers is expected to make an immediate impact as well. The Tigers lost two veteran linebackers, but budding stars Stanley Hunter and Scotty Cooper should be able to step right in. The secondary is stacked, and because of it, Clemson boasts one of the best pass defenses in the nation. Seniors Michael Hamlin and Chris Clemons are back at the safeties and Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler return at the corners. Butler is a big hitter with six career picks. He is one of the best corners in the conference and rarely loses when matched up against an opponent's number one receiver. The 9th ranked total defense nationally in 2007 should be among the leaders again.

Special Teams

The Tigers can go a long way toward claiming a league title by cleaning up their kickoff coverage. Clemson allowed two touchdowns on kickoffs and often gave its opponents a short field to work with. The Tigers also had two punts blocked with one returned for a touchdown. I hope this has taught head man Tommy Bowden not to take this part of the game for granted. Mark Buschholz had a terrible season, making just 61.1 percent of his field goals, but he had the head coaches endorsement.

Prediction – 1st ACC Atlantic
With the league's best offensive weapons and a defense which ranked 9th nationally in 2007, the Tigers are poised to capture their first ACC title in 17 seasons. With Florida State projected to struggle again behind paper thin lines, and Wake Forest losing star wide receiver Kenneth Moore, the Tigers should sit atop the Atlantic.

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July 4th, 2008