2009 College Football Predictions: Clemson Tigers

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2009 College Football Predictions

Clemson Tigers

2008 Record: (7-6, 4-4)
Coach: Debo Swinney, 2nd year (4-3)
Off. Coordinator: Billy Napier (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Ron West (1st year), Kevin Steele (1st year)
Returning Starters: 15 (7 offense, 8 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: Coach Dabo Swinnery enters his first full season with several questions. It starts at quarterback as they have to replace Cullen Harper is gone so Willy Korn, who threw for 216 yards last season, Kyle Parker and Michael Wade will take over. At running back, C.J. Spiller, who shared time with James Davis last year, but still managed to rush for 629 yards, takes over full-time. The offensive line returns five regulars, but they 103rd in the nation in pass protection. They should improve this season. Senior All-ACC center Thomas Austin is expected to move to guard, while sophomore Mason Cloy, a Freshman All-American last season, is expected to take over at center. At receiver, they have to replace Aaron Kelly, the ACC’s all-time leader (232) in receptions. Jacoby Ford, who caught 55 passes last season for 710 yards and four scores, becomes the primary target. With Harper gone, expect the Tigers to lean on the run this season.

Defense: The Tigers have to get more pressure on the quarterback. The barely tallied one sack per game last season and no individual recorded more than two on the entire season. Eight starters return on defense, including cornerbacks Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler. LB Kavil Conner had a superb junior season and led the team with 125 total tackles. The linebacking corps should be the strength of the defense. The key will be the performance of the defensive line and whether they can figure out a way to get to the quarterback.

Outlook: Head coach Tommy Bowden was let go last season because the players couldn’t get the job done. Last season, Harper was the main culprit. This season, the Clemson Tigers can improve that position if Korn can live up to his reputation after being named Player of the Year in South Carolina as a junior and senior.

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