TLOS Preview: #8 Clemson
By Richard Diaz
Love of Sports Correspondent
(Starting August 1st, The Love of Sports began featuring one college football program each day, breaking down their offense, defense and - most importantly - their food, beverage, cheerleaders, tailgating prowess and all-around campus life! That’s because those are the things we value here the most. College football is all about the atmosphere, and that’s exactly what we’ll give you all season long!)
Today’s Preview: Clemson Tigers
TLOS Preseason Ranking: #8
TLOS Predicted Record: 10-3
2007 Record: 9-4
Returning Lettermen: 52
Lettermen Lost: 21
Offense
I know it’s a tired cliché, but much of Clemson’s success or lack thereof will start at the front line. They’re replacing four starters from a season ago, which includes four-year starter and two-time first team All-ACC selection Barry Richardson. The replacements are a bunch of talented blockers who lack game experience, which doesn’t bode well for a team that’s stacked at every other offensive position. Cullen Harper’s the first returning starter at quarterback under offensive coordinator Rob Spence. Last season saw him complete 282 of his 433 passes, for 2,991 yards and 27 touchdowns. In addition to leading the highest-scoring offense in school history, he also produced the ACC’s highest passing efficiency. He’s a guy who could easily play his way into the Heisman race, but he’s going to need the retooled O-Line to hold better than they did during the spring.
Senior James Davis and junior C.J. Spiller might be the best tandem in the nation. Clemson is 12-0 in games when Davis rushes for 100+ yards, and they’re lucky to have him back. Spiller joins him for a third straight season. His speed enables him to be a big play threat any time he touches the ball, which was exemplified last season, as he led the team with 1,723 all-purpose yards. No doubt these two will be giving opponents some major headaches all season long. Defensive units that choose to key in on Davis and Spiller will likely find themselves being torched by senior Aaron Kelly, who set a school record with 88 receptions last season and led the ACC with 11 touchdowns. He’s got a legitimate shot to break the ACC record for career catches, which is currently held by Wake Forest’s Desmond Clark, who finished with 216 in the late ‘90s. Senior Tyler Grisham and junior Jacoby Ford could also be in store for big seasons. Junior Michael Palmer’s likely to be the main contributor at tight end, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see sophomore Brian Linthicum get into the mix as well.
Defense
The loss of Phillip Merling opens the door for Da’Quan Bowers, who’s believed to be one of the nation’s top incoming freshman. Though he’s currently third on the depth charts, it’s only a matter of time before Bowers plays his way to the top of their D-line. The strength of the line’s its interior, which features fifth-year seniors Dorell Scott and Rashaad Jackson, who are both monsters.
The linebacker spot has the same question marks as the offensive line. They’re replacing last season’s top four guys with a hodgepodge of players who haven’t played very much at this level. It’s clear the defense will only flourish if this young and inexperienced group can find a way to create cohesiveness. They don’t have to be phenomenal, but if they flat out stink, it’ll eventually diminish the overall quality of an otherwise talented defense.
Simply put, the Tigers are returning four starters from a defensive secondary that led the ACC and was 13th in the nation in passing defense. Assuming the linebackers can hold their own, Clemson has nothing to worry about when it comes to pass coverage. On the special teams, kicker Mark Buchholz is as reliable as they come, and senior Jimmy Maners is consistent enough to get the job done when it comes to punting. Aside from that, you’ve got the duo of C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford, who might be the fastest return guys in the nation.
Season Outlook
Clemson’s the early favorite to win the ACC title, but that’s a title they usually wear until losing their first game. They haven’t won the league championship since 1991, but given the fact they’re returning the league’s top QB, RB and WR, it’s as good a chance as ever to bring home the title.
The Schedule
The Tigers open up with a neutral site game against Alabama this Thursday night. If they can pull of a win there, they’ll be well on the way to a 7-0 start. It’s a toss up after that, as they’ll be facing Boston College, Florida State and Virginia on the road, followed by their annual game against South Carolina to close out the year.
Stadium
Memorial Stadium’s one of the best home field advantages in college football, as opponents have no choice but to deal with a capacity crowd of 81,473 screaming fans clad in burnt orange and northwest purple. Howard’s Rock at the top of the hill is one of the oldest traditions in the game. Each player makes sure to touch it on their way out of the tunnel.
School Atmosphere
Pregaming: It’s without a doubt one of the best tailgating experiences in all the land. The picturesque surroundings are 10 times better than the concrete jungles of many other schools. From beautiful trees to Lake Hartwell and a phenomenal view of the mountains, it’s just a fantastic experience. And if you’re not into that, there are also tents and grills as far as the eyes can see. Just thinking about all of the food is making me hungry!
The Pregaming/Midgaming/Postgaming “Bar” of Choice: The ESSO Club, which evolved from a 1920s gas station, is THE spot to watch Clemson football. It’s the closest business to the stadium and is the next best place to be inside Memorial Stadium.
Famous Alumni
--Strom Thurmond, Former U.S. Senator
--Harvey Gantt, Former Mayor of Charlotte and First-Ever African-American Graduate of Clemson
--Nancy O’Dell, Host of Access Hollywood and former Miss South Carolina
--James Michael Tyler, Gunther on Friends
--Dwight Clark, NFL All-Pro Wide Receiver
--William “Refridgerator” Perry - Chicago Bear legend, Three-time All-American
--Shawn Weatherly, 1980 Miss America
Shameless Cheerleader Pics
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