But as Brent said, just use caution. I really don't know what to predict for Clemson at this time. I don't think that Spence's offense is going to win the ACC, I really don't. He's too conservative, and to be a conference winning team you have to take risks. No risk, no reward. However, I do think that if Clemson wins the ACC during Spence's tenure that it will be because of Clemson's sheer talent. That scenario could likely happen this year. Who knows, Clemson is an enigma to me at this time. An enigma that no one will be able to crack until the season starts.
That's when we'll find out if Harper has got it or if Willy will be one of the few freshman QBs that does well in his freshman season. Will the O-line replacements live up to the hype? Brent pointed out last night how underrated the loss of Roman Fry is to the Clemson squad. How will the Gaines Adams replacement do? Will Ricky Sapp gain enough weight to help out the interior D-line in their weakest aspect of the game, that is the running game. Has the interior D-line improved since the showing that they gave against VT, South Carolina, and Kentucky when all three teams ran the ball strait up the middle on them with ease last season. Will Aaron Kelly live up to his potential? Will Spence get the ball in Jacoby Fords hands more this season, as he didn't near enough last season? Or was Ford not getting open while trying to adjust to the college game, or maybe it was just too easy for defenders to over power the 5-foot-9 170 lb. speedster. Will Rendrick Taylor stay healthy? Seems like that dude could get injured by taking a piss. Will Antonio Clay's head be in the game this year after the tragic loss of his sister (I think it will be, he will be motivated.) Will Tremaine Billie qualify and if he does, will his injury hamper him during the season? Will Ray Ray prove to be a quality back-up for one of the best RB duos in the nation? He better be, because if one or (God forbid) both of those guys go down, he is the only thing that Clemson has to resort to. Will Clemson's CB replacements do as well as last years starters (I think that will be as good or better.) Will Clemson's kicking game be any good at all? I know that many Clemson fans have not been high on Richard Jackson and apparently neither was the Clemson staff as he was unseated from the starting job by walk-on Mark Buchholz. We all know how very important and underrated the kicking game is (see the Carolina and Clemson game last season.)
These are the reasons why Clemson is such an enigma this season. All teams will have question marks before the season starts and I am simply pointing out that Clemson is no exception this season. The QB situation is not the only thing that many Clemson fans are wondering about this season. I think Clemson could have a great, decent, or mediocre season this year but their schedule will not allow for them to have a terrible one. So, at least you guys don't have to worry about that. Clemson is one of the most automatic teams in the nation to get a bowl game this year. Unlike Carolina, which could lose 6 games as easy as they could win 10 this season.
All in all, I think that Carolina and Clemson will have very surprising seasons in their respectable conferences this year. I have high hopes for both squads. Just hope I'm right, but we will not know until the season starts.
