In 2012 Clemson lost early to Florida State but crawled back into the national conversation only to lose once again to intrastate rival South Carolina. The wound of the fourth consecutive loss to the Gamecocks likely got infected during SEC Media Days when Jadeveon Clowney said that Clemson QB Tajh Boyd is afraid of him. We’ll have to see if Boyd cowers when he sees Clowney Nov. 30 in Columbia.
Until then Tiger fans hope Boyd sees Sammy Watkins clearly. The speedy junior wideout returns after missing time from a drug suspension and injury last season. Watkins set the Clemson single season receiving record in 2011, only to see the record beat by former Cock DeAndre Hopkins.
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| Clemson WR Sammy Watkins |
Boyd will have an more unfamiliar face lining up behind him as RB Andre Ellington is gone to the NFL and Rod McDowell replaces him. McDowell will have the good fortune to run behind a line returning four starters.
Defensive coordinator Brett Venables improved the Clemson in 2012 and brings back five from last season’s squad, including three of four defensive linemen. Vic Beasley, the only new starter on the line had 8.5 sacks in spot duty last season.
Linebackers Spencer Shuey and Quandon Christian return at outside backer positions and Stephone Anthony has logged a lot of time in the middle. The secondary is young but talented.
The two teams that beat Clemson in 2012 remain obstacles this season but Florida State returns only 11 starters and must travel to Clemson. The Tigers have the talent to beat South Carolina but the recent trend of losses and road environment give me reason to predict a loss. The mood for the season will be set in the season opener against Georgia in Clemson, which I have as a push game, putting Clemson at 9-1-2.
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