Many experts expect Clemson to make the playoff this year. There are few teams on their schedule who can put up a challenge, and they’re loaded with talent, particularly on the defensive line and quarterback, and have one of the most talented running backs in the country.
Last year’s starting quarterback Kelly Bryant suffered a few injuries along the way. Some say he was the reason Clemson lost the semifinal last year. Those close to the program say Bryant is the man. Bryant is a stronger runner than passer. He has a strong arm, but if his first option is covered, Bryant has trouble finding secondary receivers while under pressure. He’s quick to tuck the ball and run. That may work against Wake Forest, but it won’t against Alabama or Georgia.
Others expect freshman sensation Trevor Lawrence to ride in on a white horse and save the day. He may well be the Tigers’ Tua Tagovailoa. Lawrence should see plenty of playing time in early season blowouts against Furman, Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, and Wake Forest. Should he shine, or should Bryant stumble, don’t be surprised to see Dabo make Lawrence the starter.
I’ll make it easy: Clemson will march into the national championship game undefeated. They face NC State, Louisville, Syracuse, and South Carolina at home. FSU is rebuilding. Boston College will be tough on their home turf, but even Miami won’t be able to put up much of a fight in the ACC Championship Game.
September 1 vs. Furman. Coming out party for Trevor Lawrence. Tigers win big, say 44-7 (I was close, it was 48-7).
September 8 at Texas A&M. Tough, but Clemson comes out on top. 35-20.
September 15 vs. Georgia Southern. The Eagles run the option, perhaps even better than Georgia Tech. A good tune up. 44-7 Tigers.
September 22 at Georgia Tech. Another lopsided victory. 44-20.
September 29 vs Syracuse. Tigers will take revenge for last year’s upset. 35-20.
October 6 at Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons will come out primed for the upset. They’ll make Clemson think twice, but the Deacs won’t be able to pull out a win. 24-17 Tigers.
October 20 vs. NC State. Another tough game. 31-17 Clemson.
October 27 at Florida State. National TV. Who will make the statement? Trevor Lawrence might be the difference in this game. 31-27.
November 3 vs Louisville. After three tough games, Louisville could be facing a wounded Clemson team. The Tigers will still be superior. 35-17.
November 10 at Boston College. If Clemson is to lose, it will be in Beantown. It’s hard to get up for four straight games. Watch this one until the end. Could be another chapter in the Trevor Lawrence highlight reel. 24-21.
November 17 vs. Duke. Finally a breather, though Clemson could still be weary. I just don’t see the Blue Devils scoring much. 31-10.
November 24 vs. South Carolina. Tigers will be up for this game, wearing orange from head to toe for the state championship. The Cocks will be sky high as well. They may be completing their best season in recement memory, perhaps in second place in the division, hoping for a New Year’s Day bowl game. But the Clemson defense will hit hard, and the Cocks offense will be in for a long day – or lots of three and outs. Tigers roll 40-17.
December 1: ACC Championship Game in Charlotte NC. Miami will be improved, but they will still be not match for Clemson, who’ll be wearing the orange championship pants. Number one ranked Clemson goes to 13-0.
December 31: Playoff Semifinal. With Lawrence at the helm and the defense recovered from nagging injuries, the Tigers will be a formatible force. They’ll squeak by and advance to the championship game.
January 7, 2019. National Championship Game vs. Alabama. Trevor Lawrence will be the talk of town, facing off against Tagovailoa. As usual, Nick Saban will be ready. But the Clemson defense will contain Bama’s offense, and Lawrence will have one play up his sleeve. Clemson has what it takes, besting the Tide in a low scoring thriller to win the Tigers’ third national championship. 21-17.
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