2008 Clemson Tigers Football
Tommy Bowden looks primed as ever to get the monkey off his back and win the ACC. After a disappointing overtime loss to Auburn in the Chik-Fil-A Bowl, the Tigers finished with a 9-4 record in Bowden’s ninth year at the helm. This is his best chance to finally break through and get to a BCS bowl game. Let’s see if they can handle the pressure of being the favorites with our 2008 Clemson Tigers football predictions .
Offense:
Clemson has put up some big numbers offensively under fourth-year coordinator Rob Spence. But the Tigers are prone to underperforming against the tough, physical defenses of the ACC. If the Tigers are to break through, their offensive line must be better than it was a year ago, which won’t be easy with four starters gone. Junior Thomas Austin is solid at center, as is sophomore Chris Hairston at right tackle. Cory Lambert gets the early odd at left tackle. But at the guard positions, coaches are still left with no expectations out of anyone heading into the fall.
The Tigers could have four players in the rotation at the guard positions with zero starting experience. Junior right guard Barry Humphries has at least been in the mix. The good news is that the Tigers are talented enough at the skill positions to offset the deficiencies up front. Senior quarterback Cullen Harper broke several school records last season in his first year as starter. Tailbacks James Davis and C.J. Spiller are probably the best duo in the country. They’ll keep opposing coordinators up at night, and senior receiver Aaron Kelley is the best the ACC has to offer. Speedy receiver Jacoby Ford is also back after missing the final five games in ‘07 with a broken ankle.
Defense:
The Tigers are solid in the interior of the defensive line, with seniors Dorell Scott and Rashaad Jackson as starters. Talented backups Jamie Cumbie, Miguel Chavis and Jarvis Jenkins all figure to get into the action as well. Ricky Sapp is an emerging pass rusher at defensive end who needs to get better in run support. The most compelling story of spring practice was the arrival of freshman Da’Quan Bowers, an early enrollee who figures to make an immediate impact.
Big questions loom large at linebacker where veterans Nick Watkins and Tramaine Billie are gone. Antonio Clay’s return for his senior year is in serious doubt after spending the spring at home in Georgia to deal with emotional issues. Redshirt freshman Brandon Maye is a future star at middle linebacker, as is Stanley Hunter on the weak side. Sophomore Scotty Coopers will get competition from nickel back DeAndre McDaniel on the strong side. Coordinator Vic Koenning loves his starting four in the secondary. Seniors Michael Hamlin and Chris Clemons are back at safety. Underrated corner Chris Chancellor is back as is Crezdon Butler at the other corner, an active hitter with six career interceptions.
Clemson Tigers Predictions at Info Plays: 1st in the ACC Atlantic Division
The Tigers have the weapons to reach the ACC title game and finally win it in ‘08. The question is, will they stub they’re toe somewhere along the line as they have in each of the past three years? It wouldn’t be a surprised if the team claimed its first conference crown in 17 years. Anything worse than an 8-4 record would be considered a disappointment in Tiger Country.
ACC Wins Expected in ‘08: NC STATE, MARYLAND, at Wake Forest , GEORGIA TECH, at Boston College, DUKE, at Virginia
Potential Scares/Losses: at Florida State
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