Clemson Tigers 2016 NCAA Football Preview
CLEMSON TIGERS
Atlantic Coast Conference – Atlantic Division
2015 Record – 14-1
ATS – 8-6-1
2016 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating Rank
Atlantic Division #1
Conference #1
2015 Recap
A truly fantastic and entertaining season. Yes, they fell short to Alabama in the CFP Championship but played really well (550-473 yardage advantage) and looked good against an SEC powerhouse. All that is left is to take the next step.
2016 Preview
OFFENSE
The Clemson offense has potential to be breathtaking this season. They return a ridiculous amount of talent at the skill positions and do not face more than three or four defenses that should put up any kind of resistance. It all starts with all-world QB Deshaun Watson who is incredibly talented and now has the experience of leading the team to a championship game. Watson had over 4,100 yards passing and more than 1,100 rushing last season and accounted for 47 Clemson TDs. There is no doubt that he is a Heisman favorite heading into the season and for our money is the best player in college football.
Not too many people talked about Wayne Gallman last season. All he did was rush for over 1,500 yards and 13 TDs. The running game should be great again behind an offensive line that helped generate 223 yards rushing a game. The line also only allowed 18 sacks in over 500 attempts. The embarrassment of riches extends to the WR corps where they have a ton of talent and speed. Oh, and TE Jordan Leggett can also burn you for big plays (525, 13.1, 8 TD). This offense will not reach the insanity of the 2013 Florida St unit (51.6 points per game) but we can easily see Clemson reaching the mid-40s. Buckle up.
DEFENSE
Last season Clemson had to replace almost the entire starting defense and still ranked 2nd in the ACC in total defense, 3rd in rushing defense and 2nd in pass efficiency defense. They also recorded 48 sacks (!) which marked the 4th straight season that they increased their sack total. The Tigers reload again with only four returning starters but still have a ton of raw talent and playmakers at every level.
We are particularly intrigued by the talent at DT. Carlos Watkins (1st Team ACC) and highly recruited freshman Dexter Lawrence bring 640 pounds of hurt to stuff the run and disrupt the pocket. Ben Boulware (1st Team ACC) is one of the talented LBs making this front 7 look pretty formidable. The only question may be the secondary which only returns one starter. In any event, DC Brent Venables has done a great job with the defense and has the talent to mold yet another top-notch unit.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Clemson looks to be in good shape in the kicking game. PK Greg Huegel was only 6/10 from long-range but did make 27/32 FGs overall. Mr. Fake Punt Andy Teasdall is back at P. The return game was pretty lackluster last season especially on PRs where they ranked 122nd in the FBS. You have to believe the Tigers will find more dangerous return options this season with all the talent on hand.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 5.5
MEGALOCKS says:
Clemson looks like a good bet to make another run at the CFP Championship. The superstar QB is there. The talent on defense is there. The schedule sets up pretty nicely for the Tigers and they are hungry after coming so close last season.
Overall, we give the TIGERS a 5.5 ATS Value Rating (Average) this season. Clemson looks like they are going to be favored in at least 11/12 games this season. Several of those contests are going to feature double-digit point spreads. Generally speaking, it is difficult to ask a team to cover big numbers every week particularly later in the season when the pressure starts building. Clemson is just 7-6-1 ATS as home favorites the last two seasons and on a 2-6 L8 run as favorites on the road. The offense is going to score a ton of points but there may not be a ton of value on a weekly basis.
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