Suggest Team Slogan Finish, Finish, Finish!

What we learned in 2007 Same ol' Tommy Bowden Clemson Tigers. Another preseason of high expectations was met with disappointing midseason losses to Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, followed by a tough loss to Boston College and once again folding in the 4th quarter to Auburn in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. There's been no shortage of talent at Clemson, in fact I'd argue strongly they've had the most talent in the Atlantic Coast Conference over the last three seasons. Yet, that hasn't resulted in an appearance in the ACC Title Game, putting Bowden job in hot water every January.

On bright side, we learned that Cullen Harper is definitely the man under center, and James Davis and C.J. Spiller are going to become as explosive a duo as Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. Potentially as highly drafted, as well.  Harper, now a senior, threw 27 touchdown passes to just 6 interceptions as a junior. A significant improvement from Will Proctor in 2006. Harper's return provides the already explosive offense some consistency year to year, and a large reason for the very high expectations this season.

Expectations in '08 Now or never. Maybe never is a bit much, but this the best chance Bowden has had to win the ACC and even compete for a BCS Championship. While a national title is a possibility, Tigers fans would be satisfied with a conference championship and BCS bowl game.

Why they may fall short Offensive line and linebackers. James Davis and C.J. Spiller could probably rack up yards without an O-Line, and they may have to, but having to replace four new faces will be a problem. If the transition is seemless, and the talent is there for that to take place, then Davis and Spiller should carry the Tigers to well over 2,000 combined yards and an ACC title. Additionally, the more time Harper has in the pocket, the more he'll be finding one of the most dangerous players that isn't getting enough pub, wide receiver Aaron Kelly.

Replacing three linebackers may be just as difficult as the O-Line. Gone is the only linebacker that had starting experience, Cortney Vincent, as he was dismissed from the team. Redshirt freshman Brandon Maye is someone to watch as he'll be filling Vincent's void, and potentially just as well by the end of the season.

I have little doubt both these areas will be effective by mid-season, but the problem is that the Tigers face Alabama week 1.

Big Men on Campus Davis, Spiller and Kelly are as talented a threesome of skill position player anywhere in the country. Each touch is a must watch.

Cheerleader Grade



Maybe not the very top tier, with the Song Girls, but worthy of a grade befitting the team ranking. A-

EA NCAA Football '09 Simulation Clemson: 14-0 and a 45-17 win over Oklahoma for the National Championship. (yes, you read that correctly)

All American 2nd Team: RB James Davis
All American Freshman Team: QB Willy Korn, DE DaQuan Bowers
All ACC 1st Team: RB James Davis, WR Aaron Kelly, DT Rashaad Jackson, SS Michael Hamlin
All ACC 2nd Team: QB Willy Korn, LT Jock McKissic, C Mason Cloy, RG Bobby Hutchinson, DE DaQuan Bowers

RB James Davis: 253 carries for 1829 yards and 22 TD's
QB Willy Korn: 157-243 for 2165 yards and 18 TD's
DE DaQuan Bowers: 41 tackles, 15 TFL, and 6 sacks
WR Aaron Kelly:  75 catches for 1178 yards and 13 TD's
DT Rashaad Jackson: 45 tackles, 13 TFL, and 5 sacks
SS Michael Hamlin: 31 tackles, 2 TFL, and 2 INT's

Schedule and Predictions

Aug. 30	Alabama (in Atlanta) W
Sept. 6	The Citadel W
Sept. 13	North Carolina State W
Sept. 20	South Carolina State W
Sept. 27	Maryland W
Oct. 9	at Wake Forest W
Oct. 18	Georgia Tech W
Nov. 1	at Boston College W
Nov. 8	at Florida State L
Nov. 15	Duke W
Nov. 22	at Virginia W
Nov. 29	vs. South Carolina L

Tigers are simply too good to screw this up, the ACC Title that is. The schedule is favorable, challenging enough to get some BCS points, but not terribly easy to lose the SOS value. That said, I see at least two losses in the later half of the season due to some overconfidence and looking ahead, particularly the final game vs South Carolina.

Your thoughts and predictions?