Clemson ranked #9 on ESPN's Way-Too-Early Top 25

[ClemsonTiger]

Per ESPN.com:

9. Clemson Tigers
2014 record: 10-3, 6-2 ACC

Returning starters: 7 offense, 3 defense, 1 special teams

Key personnel losses: DE Vic Beasley, DT DeShawn Williams, DT Grady Jarrett, OT Kalon Davis, G David Beasley, LB Stephone Anthony, S Robert Smith, LB Tony Steward

Why they might finish higher: If quarterback Deshaun Watson is healthy, the Tigers are going to be really difficult to stop, even after former offensive coordinator Chad Morris left to become SMU's head coach. With co-offensive coordinators Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott running the show, Clemson piled up 387 yards of offense in a 40-6 victory over Oklahoma in the Russell Athletic Bowl. Watson is going to be surrounded by a very deep receiver corps, including Artavis Scott and Mike Williams. Clemson's schedule also sets up well, with home games against Notre Dame, Georgia Tech and FSU.

Why they might finish lower: There might be major issues on both lines of scrimmage. The Tigers lose three starters on the offensive line and their entire defensive front. Clemson might have to rely heavily on its incoming freshman class, which includes offensive tackles Mitch Hyatt and Jake Fruhmorgen and defensive tackle Sterling Johnson, who have already enrolled. ESPN 300 DT Christian Wilkins is also committed.

Here is the Top 25 list:

1. TCU
2. OSU
3. Baylor
4. USC Tojans
5. Oregon
6. Michigan State
7. UCLA
8. UGA
9. CLEMSON
10. Alabama
11. Ole Miss
12. Notre Dame
13. Arizona
14. Auburn
15. Arizona State
16. Wisconsin
17. LSU
18. GA Tech
19. FSU
20. Boise State
21. Arkansas
22. Utah
23. Tennessee
24. Oklahoma State
25. Minnesota

For the original and full list click Here

[bchtiger328]

An actually decent article from an ESecPN homer reporter. I like our chances of finishing top 10 next season. I believe our D is going to surprise people. The Weird thing is that I am especially concerned for a position that most wouldn't be......our punter whoever that may be. I believe we have a really good shot at winning another ACC title.