Clemson preview: What’s acceptable for 2007?

By Marc Hudgens  |   Monday, August 27, 2007  |  Comments( 10 )

Clemson Tigers
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Clemson lost a lot of quality talent last year, but never fear -- there is, yet again, more than enough to compete for the ACC title.

The Tigers return seven defensive starters, but only four on offense. That hurts. While the experience won't be what it was last year, the talent level may compensate.

The biggest boon to the offense is the return of junior James Davis and sophomore C.J. Spiller, arguably the best backfield tandem in the entire nation. Also returning is preseason All-ACC offensive tackle Barry Richardson and a cadre of receivers in Aaron Kelly, Rendrick Taylor, Tyler Grisham, and speedster Jacoby Ford, with the probability of Spiller in the slot.

The only significant injury to the offense is the recent loss of third-string RB Ray Ray McElrathbey for the rest of the season because of a torn ACL. While that's a significant blow to the backfield, it's not perilous given the return of fullback Alex Pearson and the possibilities of safety Sadat Chambers and Rendrick Taylor in situationals.

In terms of experience, the defense is in better shape, but there was an injury scare during camp. Currently, you're looking at tackles Jock McKissic and Rashaad Jackson along with returning ends Phillip Merling and Ricky Sapp. At linebacker, Antonio Clay, Nick Watkins, and returning-from-injury senior Tremaine Billie come back. Lastly, you have defensive backs Chris Clemons, Chris Chancellor, and Crezdon Butler, all led by Thorpe Award watch-list nominee Michael Hamlin, a junior.

However, Sapp has already sprained an ankle, and so has returning starting nose guard Dorell Scott. Meanwhile, Scott's backup, Antwon Murchison, suffered a concussion. DE Jamie Cumbie, Merling's backup, had a shoulder issue. The good news is that all four have since returned to practice.

The defense was solid last year overall, but the secondary needs work after a poor finish in 2006, as was proven by the quarterbacking of Maryland's Sam Hollenbach, South Carolina's Blake Mitchell and Kentucky's André Woodson -- the three averaged 271 passing yards a game. If Clemson can get the rush going while simultaneously improving against the pass, it'll have one of the best defenses in the nation.

Kicking appears to be much improved. Converted soccer player Mark Buchholz kicked a 56-yard field goal against a live rush, then booted a 47-yarder afterward. Jimmy Maners punted a 64-yarder from the 1-yard line and Richard Jackson, who apparently will be kicking off, has been landing the ball at or near the goal line.

The second hottest topic entering 2007 is the quarterback race between junior Cullen Harper, who has been tapped as the starter, and freshman four-star gunslinger Willy Korn, who threw for over 10,000 yards at Byrnes High School (Duncan, SC). Between these guys, if the long ball can be thrown accurately, regularly and reliably, then look out. Clemson would then have a sharp passing attack coupled with an explosive running game.

While defense has historically been Clemson's niche, it's clear to this writer that the team is more dependent on the quarterback than ever before. If the passing game hits full throttle, you have an Atlantic Division champion.

Notice the QB position is the second-hottest topic, because the hottest by far is whether head coach Tommy Bowden, now entering his ninth season, will keep his job after '07. While Bowden has been praised for lifting Clemson out of the funk that was the 1990s -- including improvements in recruiting, facilities and academic achievement -- the coach still hasn't led the team to an ACC championship. While one legacy is that he improved the program greatly and made fans forget the awful past, another one is a costly three-plus-game flop at some point every season that keeps Clemson from elite status.

The schedule, however, shapes up very much in Clemson's favor. Conference nemesis Florida State travels to Death Valley on Labor Day night. The Tigers also host Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and Boston College. There are three conference road games that might be the fly in Clemson's ointment, with the team traveling to North Carolina State (where Clemson usually has some trouble), Georgia Tech and Maryland. Clemson should destroy conference doormat Duke at Durham.

There are two non-conference threats: Clemson is visited by defending MAC champion Central Michigan, led by quarterback Dan LeFevour, who threw for over 3,000 yards 26 TDs against only 10 picks. The Tigers absolutely cannot overlook the Chips. And, as always, there's South Carolina. This time, the Tigers travel to Columbia looking to exact revenge for last year's upset in Death Valley.

Last season Clemson struggled in every away game (with the exception of Temple). The Tigers also popped in and out of the top 25 on three different occasions, and four of Clemson's five losses were to an unranked team. That's unacceptable, obviously.

Everything seems to be in place for a berth in the ACC title game, except for two things. First, will Harper and/or Korn surprise everyone and become a legitimate passing threat? Second, there exists almost the same exact coaching staff as last year. Ultra-conservative play calling, and playing not to lose instead of striving to win were criticisms among many fans. Will Bowden and staff play different cards this time around?

Although an 8-4 mark would be no drop-off from last year, it would also not be an improvement. Many fans believe eight wins would be a success provided one of the victories is over South Carolina. If that ends up being the case, it means the fourth loss would come from either another ACC team or one of the three patsies. That's why eight wins with one over the Gamecocks shouldn't be enough to consider the year a success. If the eight-triumph scenario is good enough, then pick your poison elsewhere in the schedule, because there will be a significant drawback.

While there is no reason whatsoever to expect less than an Atlantic Division title, this writer's prediction is another seven- or eight-win campaign. If that happens (again), expect Bowden to remain at Clemson.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He...
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