Clemson Football: Kelly Bryant listed as Tigers’ biggest question mark

As we move deeper into the season, contests will become more evenly matched. As such, the weak link in each program will begin to show.

There was no movement in the second edition of the 2017 College Football Playoff rankings. They are as follows: No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Notre Dame, No. 4 Clemson.

The Tigers have held steady since their upset loss to Syracuse in week 7. After pulling out a tough victory on the road against a talented NC State squad, Clemson appears to have their swag back.

With three fairly easy games to finish out the regular season, the Tigers’ should finish the year 12-1. While majority of ESPN’s analysts still have the Tigers in their College Football Playoff, they singled out Kelly Bryant as their biggest question mark going forward.

Limited passing attack

Despite Clemson’s near perfect record, they have struggled throwing the football. ESPN was quick to point this out as their biggest concern with Bryant. While he is completing 65.2 percent of his passes, he has only thrown seven touchdowns on the year. Of the quarterbacks in the ACC who have attempted at least 150 passes on the season, Bryant ranks 11th in touchdowns thrown.

Yes, Kelly Bryant may be Clemson’s biggest question mark, but, that’s compared to every other aspect of this team. Mind you, the Tigers’ are arguably the most talented team in the country.

It’s important to remember that aside from injuries, no opponent has been able to stop Bryant on the ground. When healthy, his legs compensate for his inconsistencies as a passer. Co-offensive coordinators, Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott have shown the ability to highlight Bryant’s strengths and mask his weaknesses.

Next: Clemson vs. Florida State pick against the spread

With their stout defense, Clemson doesn’t need to score a ton of points to win. The Tigers are currently holding opponents to 15.1 points per game. As long as Clemson doesn’t put themselves in a hole early in the game, they have a good enough defense to sit on a small lead.