2009 ACC Football Outlook Team Previews: Clemson

Offense: B-

The Clemson offense in 2009 is only going to go as far as whoever wins the QB battle takes them. New coach Dabo Swinney is going to have to choose between Willy Korn and Kyle Parker. Both are extremely talented and capable of getting it done but experience has to be a question mark. Last year the offensive line struggled after having to replace 4 starters but should be vastly improved this season with the experience gained last year. Despite losing the school's all-time leading rusher in James Davis, running back should be the strongest position for the Tigers in 2009. Senior CJ Spiller received 14 votes for Preseason ACC Offensive POY for a reason. He might be the most electrifying player in not just the ACC, but the entire country. Joining him in the backfield will be ultra talented sophomore Jamie Harper who should improve upon his 3.9 ypc average from last year thanks to the improving offensive line. The receiving corp is extremely talented but suffers from a relative lack of experience. Senior Jacoby Ford figures to be the #1 receiver and while he may only be 5' 10" he is the fastest player in the ACC and possibly the country(he claims to run a sub 4.2 40 yard dash). Joining him is Rivals 4 star recruit Bryce McNeal and talented, yet inexperienced junior Xavier Dye. Senior Michael Palmer is a solid pass catching option at tight end.



Defense: A

The Tigers are going to be rock solid on all three levels of the defense. The defensive line loses 4th Round Draftee Dorell Scott but return seven defensive lineman with starting experience and add blue chipper Malliciah Goodman. In 2008, the Tigers linebacking corp was inexperienced and struggled at times as a result but this year they return the entire two-deep so improved play should be expected. Clemson loses their two starters at safety from 2008 but former starting safety DeAndre McDaniel returns after switching to linebacker due to lack of depth and redshirt freshman Spencer Adams should be solid in taking over the other starting spot. They return their top 4 corners and that should be very strong at the position.

Prediction:

Clemson figures to be under the radar this season nationally as well as in the ACC. The offense has a lot of potential as well as a lot of inexperience. With inexperience comes growing pains but their early schedule figures to be favorable enough that the defense and CJ Spiller will be able to carry the team until Willy Korn or Kyle Parker is up to speed. The Tigers should be 4-1 with a lone loss at Georgia Tech going into the BYE week although a home date with TCU on September 26th could be tricky. The second half of the schedule gets more difficult with key road games against Miami(Fl), NC State, and in-state rival South Carolina. They get two of the three teams that figure to be their chief competition in the Atlantic Division at home in Wake Forest and Florida State to go along with other second half home dates with FCS(formerly 1-AA)Coastal Carolina and Virginia. My prediction is that the Tigers finish the regular season with a 9-3 record and reach their first ACC Title game before falling to Virginia Tech. I'm also predicting a spot in either a New Years Day bowl game or the Chick-Fil-A bowl in Atlanta.