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5 players that are key to Clemson’s title hopes

By Anthony Messenger

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; The Clemson Tigers run onto the field before playing against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; The Clemson Tigers run onto the field before playing against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Clemson is coming down to their last two regular season games. Every game is a playoff game from here on out. Lose and the Tigers championship hopes are over. Here are the 5 players that are most important to Clemson’s championship hopes.

Carlos Watkins

The senior defensive tackle is having the best season of his career as a Tiger. Watkins has been nearly unstoppable registering 31 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 7.0 tackles for loss, and 1 blocked kick.

Watkins will be key to Clemson’s championship hopes because of his ability to stop the run. The teams that Clemson cold potentially be playing such as Alabama and Ohio State are known for their ability to run the football.

Clemson’s defense is one of the best in the country, however, against Pitt James Conner ran all over the Tigers. Pittsburgh was also able to gash Clemson with the shovel pass. The teams that Clemson will face in the College Football Playoff will have much more talent than Pittsburgh, not only in the back field, but on the offensive line especially.

Carlos Watkins is also key to Clemson’s pass rush. Carlos’ 6.5 sacks leads the team. Clemson is great at getting after the quarterback currently sitting at 35 sacks on the season. Without Watkins in the lineup, Clemson’s front seven will not be nearly as disruptive.

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