Clemson football: Tigers have plenty of things to prove

Clemson football is back! We have reached the first full game week of the season, though it does feel a bit odd for Clemson Nation since we won’t actually be playing until Monday, traditionally the first day of the next game week.

It also feels a bit odd to me because this is the first year since 2016 that I have doubts about the Tigers going into the season.

I feel confident that Clemson will see improvement this season and that the future will continue to be bright. My doubts come from a perspective of “prove it to me”. I think many would agree that the Tigers underachieved in many areas during 2021 campaign. While I share in the excitement of a new season and the opportunity for the Tigers to do great things (which they are more than capable of doing), I have circled back to a reality: we are foolish if we believe everything will be “fixed”.

The reality is that we will see some areas improve dramatically. We will see some improve slightly and others simply maintain without slipping. We need to be open minded that some areas will be a disappointment. Anyone who doesn’t want to hear that either didn’t learn their lesson last season or are plugging their ears so they don’t have to face reality.

Here are the areas for the Clemson Tigers where we need to stay realistic about the 2022 season and not get carried away with lofty expectations.