ACC Football - 2021 Clemson Tigers Preview
Our Clemson Tigers preview 2021 notes that once again last season this team was in the hunt for the national crown. The Tigers posted an overall record of 10-2 and an ACC mark of 8-1 with their one conference loss being on November 7 to Notre Dame. In that game, the Irish took down Clemson 47-40 in OT, resulting in the Fighting Irish finishing first and Clemson second in the conference. However, in the ACC title game, the Tigers easily beat Notre Dame 34-10, earning a trip to the CFB Playoff Semifinal on January 1 where they were defeated by Ohio State 49-28. This season, despite losing QB Trevor Lawrence, RB Travis Etienne, and WR Amari Rodgers, the Tigers look to have both the best offense and defense in the ACC.
Clemson Offense
Last season, as a freshman, QB D.J. Uiagaletei started two games when Lawrence tested positive for COVID-19. He proved to be solid. Uiagaletei possesses a fine football IQ, great arm strength, and amazing poise. He has a talented group of pass catchers to toss to, including junior WR Justyn Ross. Ross was sidelined last season but is back and healthy for 2021.
Senior RB Lyn-J Dixon, who’s averaged 6.6 YPA over his career, will have competition for the starting rushing spot from talented sophomore Kobe Pace. When it came to opening up running lanes, the O-line had its issues last year. But with more experience, three starters returning, and the addition of sophomore Walter Parks to the group, expect improvement in this unit.
Clemson Tigers Preview 2021 - Defense
In the CFB Playoff Semifinal against OSU, the Tiger defense struggled mightily. In 2021, on this side of the ball, Clemson must be more physical. They could not stop the Buckeye rush attack. However, 10 starters return, including last season’s four starting defensive linemen. Sophomore DT Bryan Bresee had an outstanding freshman season, as he recorded 33 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, and four sacks. Bresee was a Freshman All-American and the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Senior MLB Baylon Spector, who led the Tigers with 4.5 sacks, is the anchor of that unit. Senior WLB James Skalski is back for a sixth season and what he hopes will be his sixth time playing in an ACC title contest. Sophomore SLB Trenton Simpson, who made some key plays in his first season, could be poised for a breakout year. In the secondary, FS Nolan Turner, who topped the Tigers with three picks in 2020, is the glue of that deep and experienced unit.
Specialists
Our Clemson Tigers preview 2021 projects that junior RB Michael Dukes will take over the return duties on both kickoffs and punts. He’s got speed and solid open field moves. The kicking duties will be ably handled by two players who possess All-American potential. Last season, punter Will Spiers averaged 44 YPP and boomed a dozen balls for 50-plus yards. Placekicker B.T. Potter was 2-for-3 from 50-plus yards and 18-of-23 on field-goal attempts.
Clemson Tigers Preview 2021 - Projection
This team certainly has what it takes to excel on offense, and their defense should rebound and be stronger and stingier than they were last year against teams like Notre Dame and Ohio State. Our Clemson Tigers preview 2021 sees this club as winning the ACC Atlantic Division and taking down the North Carolina Tar Heels in the conference championship game. After that, they should be on the road to another National Championship appearance against the Crimson Tide.
ACC Football - Clemson Tigers 2021 - Predictions:
First Place - ACC Atlantic
National Semifinal - Orange Bowl vs Oklahoma
National Championship vs Alabama