Clemson preview

The Tigers’ offense was a potent unit in 2011 behind stud wideout Sammy Watkins, but a porous defense almost derailed their season, as they allowed 28 or more points in seven of their eight final games, including a bowl-record 70 points in last year’s Orange Bowl.

The biggest addition to the defense might be new defensive coordinator Brent Venables. The former Oklahoma coordinator has already proven his worth in securing a verbal commitment from the consensus No. 1 recruit in the class of 2013, Robert Nkemdiche, but also promises to make an immediate impact this season by reducing the complexity of the defensive scheme. After losing All-American Andre Branch, the ACC sack leader, to the NFL last spring, senior Mallicaiah Goodman is expected to anchor the defensive line and lead the revamped defense.

All eyes will be on the other side of the ball, however, where Clemson boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Junior quarterback Tahj Boyd is coming off a stellar year, in which he set the conference record for touchdowns with 38 while throwing for over 4,000 yards en route to first-team All-ACC honors.

His job was certainly made easier by the emergence of Watkins, the 2011 National Freshman of the Year. Watkins, who also doubles as one of the most dynamic kick returners in the country, was the first freshman since Adrian Peterson to be named to the All-American team. However, following a May arrest on drug charges, Watkins has been suspended for Clemson’s first two games. The Tiger offense shouldn’t miss a beat though, as lining up opposite Watkins is DeAndre Hopkins, a junior who posted 978 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season. Senior running back Andre Ellington, who rushed for over 1,100 yards last season, provides a ground balance to the Tigers’ aerial assault.

Clemson has one of the most talented offenses in the country, but whether or not the team can repeat as ACC champs will be determined by the improvements on defense.