Clemson Football Update: USA Today writer predicts Tigers in National Championship
Do you think every national pundit is overlooking Clemson football? That certainly isn’t true of USA Today Sports Writer Dan Wolken.
Not every single national pundit is overlooking Clemson football in 2017. As a matter of fact there are some who are picking the Tigers to repeat as National Champions.
It’s clear to see why the national media would pick against the Tigers, as Clemson football will be without names such as Mike Williams, Jordan Leggett, Artavis Scott, Wayne Gallman, and Ben Boulware.
The biggest, however, is the loss of starting quarterback and Heisman finalist Deshaun Watson.
All that being said, USA Today Sports Writer Dan Wolken told 1280 The Zone Sports Network radio that he expects a rubber match between Clemson football and Alabama this time around.
"“Yes, they (Clemson) lost players and Deshaun Watson is a once in a decade type of quarterback,” Wolken told The Zone Sports Network, “but college football isn’t necessarily about who you lose. It’s about who you have. The way they’ve recruited at that program and the way they’re built this year, they’re going to be very, very good on the offensive and defensive line. Whenever you’re really good on those two sides of the ball, you’re going to be really good. They recruit plenty of skill always.”"
It’s definitely refreshing to see members of the national media not overlooking Clemson football as the 2017 season is about to get underway.
Interestingly enough, the USA Today Company has the Tigers finishing the season 10-2 with two losses in the ACC.
Those mainstream media members haven’t been introduced to names like Deon Cain, Kelly Bryant, Cornell Powell, or Tavien Feaster. Many of them just look at what the Tigers lost and just assume that they will take a step back.
Wolken, on the other had, has gone the extra mile.
He’s been keeping with the Clemson football recruiting trail and knows the talent that the Tigers have behind those guys that they lost.
It’s not just about what you lose, but about who you have.
Clemson football certainly has the pieces to make a run at yet another College Football Playoff run. Honestly, it’s all going to come down to the quarterback.
Next: Clemson 2017 Opponent Preview: Georgia Tech
Can Kelly Bryant, Hunter Johnson, or Zerrick Cooper step up and provide consistency and leadership on the offense. That’s the question we all are still pondering as we approach 25 days until kickoff.