– Last Updated on June 8, 2018 7:50 am
2017 Football Preview – ACC Conference – Tigers
Looking for 2017 Clemson Tigers predictions? The Tigers played a historic game against Alabama in the College Football National Championship game, and Deshaun Watson brought the national title back to Clemson..
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- 2017-18 College Football Preview – Clemson Tigers
- Head Coach: Dabo Sweeney
- 2016 Record: 14-1
- Clemson Tigers Odds to win the 2017 FBS Championship: Off
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The Tigers pulled off one of the biggest upsets in college football history to beat Alabama in the National Championship game, can they repeat as champs?
2017 Clemson Tigers Predictions: Team Strengths
Weapons at each position on offense: Clemson has a great receiver tandem in Hunter Renfrow and Deon Cain. If the QB position can be sorted out early, both of these guys have the potential to put up over 1,000 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns.
Renfrow is great as a slot receiver and shouldn’t have any problems exploiting mismatches on the outside.
The running game will also be a force in this up tempo style as former #1 RB Tavien Feaster should get the ball plenty of times in the early part of the year to take pressure off of the QB.
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The offensive line continues to stockpile big time recruits and should be a force up front. The Tigers have two all conference players in left tackle Mitch Hyatt and right guard Tyrone Crowder so a big year running the ball should be expected.
Freakishly Athletic Defense: The defensive line leads the way for what should be one of the most athletic defenses in the country. The unit picked up 49 sacks last season and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins was the best defensive freshman not named Ed Oliver in the country. They have a chance to be special again and it won’t surprise me to see them put up 45 sacks this year.
Clemson’s secondary is full of experience, and they gave up only 182 yards through the air last season. Can they put up similar numbers? It’s possible, and the early showdown with Louisville will be a major test.
2017 Clemson Tigers Predictions: Team Weaknesses
Who’s Replacing the Legend?: The biggest question heading into the season is who will replace Deshaun Watson, a man that will have his own statue on campus someday.
The offense seemed stagnant at times during last season, but found it’s footing as the season drew to a close. Kelly Bryant Jr. will get first crack at the starting spot, but don’t be surprised if #1 talent Hunter Johnson gets the keys to the car before the opener.
He is an immensely gifted QB and should make plays for the Tigers for the next three years.
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Can a true freshman survive such a tough schedule? A home game against Auburn in week 2, then a road trip to face Heisman winner Lamar Jackson in week 3 could see the Tigers season end before it really begins.
Sweeney may take the safe approach and avoid falling into a 1-2 hole, but has he ever played it safe?
The QB position will be the biggest question for the Tigers and if they can get that position figured out they should compete for an ACC Championship.
Clemson Tigers Prediction: 10-2
Clemson will lose two tough games (Louisville and FSU), but should roll over the rest of the competition.
I fully expect the running game to help the QB during the early parts of the year, and possibly see a 1,500 yard season from Feaster.
The defensive line will be tenacious all season long and if they can bottle up Jackson in week 3, they will have an outside shot at the College Football Playoff.
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Whoever starts the season at QB will have the trust of their coach. Dabo may elect to go with the true freshman, who might be able to do what Jalen Hurts did for Alabama last year.
2017 Clemson Tigers Football Schedule
- 9/2/17 TBD KENT
- 9/9/17 TBD AUB
- 9/16/17 TBD @UL
- 9/23/17 TBD BC
- 9/30/17 TBD @VATECH
- 10/7/17 TBD WAKE
- 10/13/17 TBD @SYR
- 10/28/17 TBD GATECH
- 11/4/17 TBD @NCST
- 11/11/17 TBD FSU
- 11/18/17 TBD CITA
- 11/25/17 TBD @SC
What do you think about our 2017 Clemson Tigers predictions? Please leave us a comment below telling us how you think they’ll do in 2017!
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