10 Reasons Clemson Football Will Make the CFB Playoff in 2017

7. A dominant front-seven on defense

Anybody ever hear the phrase “Defense wins championships?”

People out in Alabama certainly have and Clemson football will rely on that dominant defense to carry it through several games this season.

The Tigers have a chance to have one of the best defenses in the nation and, most likely, the very best defensive line. The linebackers are going to take a step forward before the season is over, as well, and that’s going to give Clemson a huge advantage.

In a spread-offensive attack College Football world, name the last team to win a National Championship that didn’t have a solid defense?

Here’s a look back at the last five:

2016- Clemson

2015- Alabama

2014- Ohio State

2013- Florida State

2012- Alabama

The common denominator in all of those teams is not a dynamic offense. It’s not an experienced quarterback (of course Clemson and FSU had that), it’s a dominant defense, especially in the front-seven.

If Clemson is going to make it back to the College Football Playoff, it’s going to be because of the monsters on the defensive line and at linebacker. Guys like Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant, Clelin Ferrell, Tre Lamar, Dorian O’Daniel, Albert Huggins, and others will need to step up and play to their potential.

If they do, opposing offenses will have a tough time scoring or even moving the ball.

And if you can’t score…….