Today as I was sitting down and having a great conversation with my fellow co-owner and NC State Media, I began to wonder why so many feel Clemson and its coach Dabo Swinney has had no respect from so many media. Clemson who as of yesterday was placed at #14 in the Preseason poll seems like a slap in the face again. Now, I know Clemson needs to prove that its QB Cade Klubnik has what it takes to lead the Tigers back to the promise land.
Phil Mafah was named Tuesday to the 2024 Doak Walker Award watch list.
📰: https://t.co/NGnttsR0MJ
🏆: https://t.co/aRPQtHaTlw pic.twitter.com/9ZSVjbh4pv— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) August 6, 2024
I also know that Phil Mafah has to get at least 1300 yards and have a huge game versus Georgia to start the season to show not only his ability but also the new look offensive line under Matt Luke a former UGS OL coach. This also means Garrett Riley has to make all the right calls in the right situations and hope Cade can pull it off. So, allot of ifs have to happen, now let’s look at what really could make my case.
DL Peter Woods talks about his flexibility along the defensive line and how fun it is for him to play different places along the defensive line #Clemson #ClemsonFootball pic.twitter.com/W5kHmwsovB
— Clemson Sports Media (@CUSportsMedia) August 3, 2024
The Defense at Clemson has not lost a beat since the days of Brent Venables, many Tiger fans seemed afraid when Brent left all was going to be lost. Yet, DC Wes Goodwin has been a breath of fresh air, keeping the Tigers new defensive look on point and keeping the Tigers in every game. he also adds a new edition in former NFL coach Chris Rumph who returns to coaching at Clemson once again. When it comes to players, Woods, Brown, Terrell, Carter, Lewis, and so many more will be giving the Tiger fans a reason to cheer and know no matter what happens on offense, they will keep it close.
OL Marcus Tate talking about Walker Parks recovery, how the team helped Walker, and how that brought them closer together as a team #Clemson #ClemsonFootball pic.twitter.com/BF921hM04P
— Clemson Sports Media (@CUSportsMedia) August 2, 2024
The trenches will be where the game is won and lost, and this year’s team is looking like it may have that recipe for winning it all. Walker Parks and Marcus Tate will lead the charge for this team of big men making holes and keeping Cade on his feet to throw down the field. Both have had injuries last year and hope to return to form and lead the offense. The other major concern which seems to be fixed is the WR room which has had a few leave, and a few come in to help the banged-up core of the last few years. Moore and Westco join Brown, Randall, Stellato and TE Briningstool in hopes they can open up the long game, while also staying healthy each game. So many times, in the last few years, Tiger fans waited in fear of the gameday injury report as many Tiger players of need, wide receiver room was always a place to watch.
First step ✅ pic.twitter.com/BWSPqOJfGH
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) August 2, 2024
Clemson also has fixed its Special team issue we hope with not one but two great 5-star kickers now, after last year’s issue having to get a player not even playing to come and kick. Dabo has made this a point of major need to make sure Clemson doesn’t find itself hoping it can make a standard 35 yard or closer field goal to win a game or stay in one.
Stackin' days. 🐅📈 pic.twitter.com/B0zLMK0Ehr
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) August 3, 2024
Now with all that said, I feel confident Clemson will be in the College Football Playoff as the winners of the ACC this year beating NC State in the ACC Championship. Now how far they go is the question that is hard to answer not knowing where and who they will play, scratch that they will be heading to the National Championship!