As we inch closer to fall camp, Rubbing The Rock will continue to bring you a preview of Clemson’s 2017 schedule. Here are the five most potent offenses the Tigers will face this season.
Early on in the 2017 season the Tigers are going to have to lean on their defense due to their inexperience at quarterback. Considering Clemson opens up the season with a tough five game stretch, Brent Venables’ talented defense will be tested right out of the gate.
The ACC is unique in the fact that it is considered neither an offensive or defensive conference. When you look around the country, most conferences have an overarching identity; the Big 12 is pass happy, with no defense; the SEC is full of stout defenses; the Big 10 features physical, pro-style rushing attacks; and the Pac 12 features multiple air raid offenses.
Playing in the ACC, Clemson can face wildly different offensive attacks from week-to-week. Virginia Tech and Louisville love to spread defenses out and play in space, while Pittsburgh looks to physical dominate opponents between the tackles.
2017 will be especially difficult for the Tigers due to the loss of Ben Boulware. Not only was Boulware the heart and soul of the defense, he was the brains too. Boulware was a film junkie with a rare football IQ.
Let’s take a look at some offenses who could give Clemson trouble in 2017.