Clemson Football: Tigers ranked in top 10 in preseason power rankings

Coming off of a National Championship, the Clemson football program is riding a wave of momentum into 2017. Despite being reigning champs, the Tigers are not considered the most powerful team entering the season.

What Dabo Swinney has been able to accomplish with Clemson football is nothing short of amazing. He has now strung together six straight 10+ win seasons, won three ACC Championships; and a National Title. Most impressive may be the fact that the Tigers have never finished the season ranked lower than their preseason ranking under Swinney.

In Sports Illustrated’s recently released Preseason Power Rankings, Clemson came it at No. 9.

Thoughts

Honestly nine is far too low for Clemson. Not only are they the reigning National Champions, but, they return one of the most talented rosters in the country in 2017. There is simply not eight more talented teams in the country.

I understand that entering the season with an inexperienced quarterback does not bode well for the Tigers. That being said, Clemson has more than enough talent across the field to mask this deficiency. Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence headline a defense that may be the best Brent Venables has ever coached during his time in Death Valley. Oh and lets not forget Deon Cain and the rest of “Wide Receiver U”.

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It is hard to believe that both Oklahoma State (No. 6) and Oklahoma (No. 8) are both ranked higher than Clemson.

Yes, Oklahoma State has a lethal offensive trio of Mason Rudolph, James Washington, and Justice Hill, however, explosive offense is something that the Pokes have always featured under Mike Gundy. It is no secret that defense wins championships and Oklahoma State just doesn’t feature enough of it.

Oklahoma returns Heisman hopeful quarterback, Baker Mayfield and that’s about it. Gone are playmakers, Dede Westbrook, Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon. The Sooners do have arguably the best offensive line in the country, but, Mayfield is hurting for viable weapons to distribute the ball to. Most importantly, defense has been hard to come by in Norman ever since Brent Venables left for Clemson in 2012.

It’s no surprise to see Alabama, Ohio State, USC and Florida State occupying the top four spots. While Clemson would fair well against all four, they are deserving of their rankings.

Next: Reactions to Clemson's preseason AP Poll ranking

Clemson is a wait-and-see to many right now, because of the glaring question mark at quarterback. Should newly appointed starter, Kelly Bryant play like the blue-chip gunslinger he was in high school, the Tigers’ stock will instantly rise.