Clemson football has seen this before – the doubts of continued success once a “generational quarterback” moves on to the National Football League.
When Deshaun Watson left Clemson football for the NFL after the 2016 National Championship win, all Tiger fans were how Clemson was going to go back to the cellar never to be heard from again. Since then, they have lost three games, won three more ACC titles, and appeared in three more College Football Playoffs.
Like 2017, Clemson football is starting that process all over again – except this time with a former 5-star recruit – who threw for more yards against one of the most storied programs in college football history than any opposing quarterback ever in just his second start.
Clemson football dropped in ESPN spring ball rankings
Clemson football entered the college football spring practice session as the number one team in the country according to ESPN writer Mark Schlabach. He then dropped them to number four – behind Oklahoma, Alabama, and UGA, post spring practice.
We have made our thoughts on UGA very clear – they aren’t on Clemson’s level and never will be under Kirby Smart. He is just another big-name Nick Saban assistant that cannot get it done on his own.
Dropping the Tigers behind both Oklahoma and Alabama is very interesting.
The media loves Spencer Rattler – they have already given him the Heisman. They do bring back a combined 14 starters, including Rattler, and have added much-needed experience via the transfer portal. The Sooners were third heading into the spring practice season and jumped up to the top spot.
Alabama at number two should not shock anyone.
Even though Alabama lost six first-round NFL picks and several other recruits to the transfer portal, Saban has built up enough capital with the media that his program will continue to get the benefit of the doubt until the wheels come completely off.
We know, rankings mean nothing – especially post-spring practice rankings, but it is comical to watch history repeat itself. This will be the most talented team in Clemson football history and after they embarrass UGA in Charlotte, everyone will take notice that the Tigers aren’t going anywhere.