Clemson Football: Media gives Tigers’ little shot at 3rd consecutive ACC Title
In the recently released ACC Football Preseason Poll, the Clemson Football program was shown little respect. Despite the talent that the Tigers bring back on both sides of the ball, few believe they can extend their run of dominance over the conference to three years.
Over the past decade, the Clemson football program and Florida State have essentially owned the ACC. Entering 2017, both programs were considered favorites to win the conference title again, however, the Seminoles are much heavier favorites than the Tigers.
For starters, the ‘Noles received 121 first place Atlantic division votes, compared to Clemson’s 37. Even more blasphemous was the fact that Florida State received 118 first place ACC Championship votes to Clemson’s 35.
While it is certainly possible that FSU wins the ACC Championship in 2017, they should not be landslide favorites.
Strengths and weaknesses
Similar to Florida State, Clemson returns one of the most talented and deep defensive units in the country in 2017. The Tigers are also replacing their workhorse running back in Wayne Gallman, much like Florida State with Dalvin Cook. That is about all the two have in common entering this season.
Florida State has the clear advantage at quarterback, returning battle tested gunslinger, Deondre Francois. That being said, Clemson has a significantly better offensive line than the Noles, who allowed 36 sacks a season ago. The Tigers are in much better hands with their experienced group of big boys up front.
With proven playmakers in Deon Cain, Ray-Ray McCloud and Hunter Renfrow, Clemson has superior depth and talent at wide receiver as well. Florida State does have Nyqwuan Murray, however, from top to bottom the ‘Noles are no match for the Tigers at wideout.
Trying to decide between Clemson and Florida State’s defensive units is like splitting hairs. Be that as it may, the Tigers’ take the cake at defensive coordinator. With all do respect to FSU defensive coordinator, Charles Kelly, he is not on the level of one Brent Venables. During his five seasons in Death Valley, Venables has done more with much less than Kelly.
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Florida State’s defense has been littered with former bluechip recruits dating back to the early days of Bobby Bowden. Clemson on the other hand, had to develop no-name prospects such as Vic Beasley. Despite having lesser talent in his early years at Clemson, Venables has led the Tigers to top 25 finishes in total defense, four of his five seasons in Death Valley. You could make an argument that the Clemson Football program’s rise to the upper echelon of College Football coincides with the arrival of Brent Venables.
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At the end of the day, both Florida State and Clemson are talented enough to win the ACC Championship this season. I am by no means suggesting that the Seminoles do not deserve to be considered favorites in the ACC, rather, Clemson is deserving of more recognition.