[B]Analysis[/B]:
The return of quarterback Kyle Parker is the key for me making this bet. He’s announce he will return for another football season.
However, there are a few reasons to make this wager.
Yes, they lost an “all world” running back in C.J. Spiller to the NFL but Junior Jamie Harper and sophomore
Andre Ellington are solid and should be able to step in and run behind an O-line that brings back 4 starters
of the 6 returning on offense and have several top backups at those positions.
Xavier Dye will step in for graduated Jacoby Ford at WR and there are 5 others considered very talented that will compete for playing time.
There is a lack of depth at tight end but sophomore Dwayne Allen is considered an upgrade from last year.
Defense is still a strong point returning 6 starters.
Blue Ribbon states the D-line is “big talented and experienced”. They lost Ricky Sapp to the NY Jets but they return three starters there.
There is depth at these positions. They will rotate players often.
There is a lot of talent, although young and untested, at linebacker.
Clemson lost two starters in the secondary but their returning players had 19 of the team's 21 interceptions last season.
Phil Steels has the O-Line rated #2 and D-Line #1 in the ACC.
Yes, the team lost a lot of talent to graduation and the NFL but they have a ton of talent ready to step in.
[B]The biggest concern: [/B]A very tough schedule. They have to play Florida St and Boston College on the road as well as take
on from the Coastal Division Miami Fl, North Carolina and Georgia Tech.
With a little luck and not too many injuries they can get to 9 wins.
But, we only need 7 to push and 8 or more is a winner.
[B]References[/B]:
Rivals.Com
ESPN Insider
Steel's Footbal Preview "Manifesto"
Football Outsiders
Blue Ribbon
Numerous googled website locations.
