Clemson Tigers: ACC Atlantic preview
Clemson lost generational QB Trevor Lawrence and all-time ACC rusher RB Travis Etienne, but they should remain the best in the ACC. The Tigers have a way of replacing their stars with the next man up.
They can still make the CFP but might be another season away from being a serious contender to go all the way. Head coach Dabo Swinney is one of the best in the NCAA and can mold a roster into a championship team. The Tigers were ranked #3 last year and could be a Top 5 team again with an easy schedule.
2021-2022 ACC Atlantic preview: Clemson Tigers
Clemson's strength: Their next big-time QB DJ Uiagalelei might not be as talented as Lawrence was, but he proved himself in 2020 when Lawrence was dealing with a bout of COVID-19. He threw 429 yards and two TDs in a game against Notre Dame and won a hard-fought match with Boston College. If he continues to improve, DJ could be a top pick in 2023.
Clemson's weakness: Clemson has an untested group of RBs. Lyn-J Dixon will get his shot but has a young rotation behind him: sophomore Kobe Pace and new recruits Will Shipley and Phil Mafah. Clemson only hit 200+ rushing yards in three games. Someone from the committee needs to stand out.
Boston College Eagles Key Players: Offense
RB: Lyn-J Dixon - The run game needs to improve to help DJ at QB. Dixon had just 190 yards and two TDs in 2020 behind Etienne. He had 1,200 yards and 11 TDs over his first two seasons, so there is potential to lead the backfield. The Tigers just needs him to become the leader of the committee.
WR: Justyn Ross - Ross was a surefire top 10 draft pick before he missed the entire 2020 season with a career-threatening spinal injury. He's working to get back on the field and be the top WR again.
If Ross comes back and doesn't lose a step, the Tigers will be just fine. There is a deep but young group behind him that can hopefully rise up to alleviate some pressure off Ross.
Boston College Eagles Key Players: Defense
DT: Bryan Bresse - The 6'5'', 300-pound tackle only had 23 tackles, four sacks and 6.5 TFL, but is one of the toughest, fastest DTs and a future All-ACC star. He's just a sophomore and has a lot of time to mature into a well-rounded player.
S: Barrett Carter - The freshman safety is often compared to a smaller Isaiah Simmons but needs to prove it in live practices. He should find plenty of playing time as a hybrid DB/LB with grit, speed and athleticism.
2021-2022 Clemson Tigers ACC schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, vs Georgia
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs SC State
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, vs Georgia Tech
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, at NC State
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, vs Boston College
Week 6: Friday, October 15, at Syracuse
Week 7: Saturday, October 23, at Pittsburgh
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, vs Florida State
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, at Louisville
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, vs UConn
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, vs Wake Forest
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, at South Carolina
2021-2022 Clemson Tigers ACC prediction (10-2, 7-2 ACC)
The Tigers open the season with a possible CFP match-up against Georgia. Clemson starts the year off with a rough loss. NC State takes advantage and snags a win in their ACC season opener. Clemson then goes on an eight-game winning streak after their second loss. They should work their way into the CFP as #4.
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