Clemson Football: Most overrated and underrated ‘way too early’ teams in the ACC

Overrated: Clemson Tigers

Let’s get this out of the way: Clemson and Florida State will be the best teams in the ACC in 2023.

Additionally, most people nationally aren’t overrating Clemson for 2023. Schlabach had the Tigers at 15th in his ‘way too early’ ranking, which is fair. There might even be some who are sleeping on Clemson.

It’s Clemson fans that are overrating the Tigers right now. Specifically, they are getting carried away with their expectations for the offense.

The fanbase is understandably excited about the arrival of new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. This has led many fans to think the Clemson offense is simply going to transform into a top-10 unit like Riley had at TCU in 2022, and at SMU for two seasons before that.

What people are forgetting is that Riley can change the playbook, and can be a better play-caller, but the players are the same.

Cade Klubnik still needs to take the next step to be a consistent quarterback. An offense that likes to put four wide receivers on the field will need more than just Antonio Williams to make an impact. Riley’s offense is dependent on a good offensive line, and Clemson’s line still has room to improve.

Clemson’s offense will improve over 2022. Riley is an upgrade over Brandon Streeter and Klubnik is an upgrade over DJ Uiagalelei. Some players will develop and progress.

Nationally, there seems to be a consensus that Riley should elevate an average 2022 Clemson offense into a good offense in 2023. There just aren’t a lot of them jumping to the conclusion that the Tigers will return to the elite status they enjoyed during the days of Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence.

Fans should be excited. I’m excited. There’s nothing wrong excitement but sometimes expectations need to be kept in check.

My guess is that when Schlabach and others revise their ‘way too early’ rankings, Clemson will get a bump, but at best they will be just on the outside of the top 10.