Things couldn’t have gone much better for Clemson last Saturday.
The Tigers forced six turnovers, ran up 450 total yards – most of which in three quarters – on their way to a 59-38 thrashing of North Carolina. It was a convincing win over a Tar Heels team who could have been a tricky opponent based on the team’s size.
Clemson is 8-0 and still under the radar in the national spotlight – despite the No. 5 ranking in the latest BCS standings. When will this team arrive? When will this team get the respect that they deserve?
The first two steps of respect happened when many fans were not even awake.
The prime-time games featuring two major upsets moved the Tigers up three spots in the BCS. First, around 11 p.m., a last-second, Hail Mary pass handed Wisconsin their first defeat of the season.
Then, Texas Tech routed Oklahoma in the first half and held on in the wee hours of Sunday morning to pave a clear path to the national championship game.
Yes – I said it. National. Championship. Game.
The reasons why Clemson shouldn’t be afraid of those three words is because of a scary-fast offense that doesn’t belong in the ACC and a weak schedule down the stretch.
The Tigers average 482 yards per game, 15th best in the country. As long as the team’s key playmakers stay healthy, the offense is good for 30 points, no matter who the competition is.
Like a Texas Tech, Oklahoma or Oklahoma State, no deficit is really too much to overcome. The weapons are endless, and in my opinion, it won’t be the passing game but a running game that leads the squad down the stretch.
This week’s opponent, Georgia Tech, is still scary despite two straight losses. Preparing for a team who runs a tricky option offense like the Yellow Jackets do is tough with only one week to prepare. But if Clemson can put pressure on Georgia Tech in the form of points, points and more points, they can get the Yellow Jackets out of their comfort zone.
I think a similar outscore the opponent out of their game-plan strategy can be used to beat North Carolina State and South Carolina.
If Clemson runs the table, it means another win over Virginia Tech and enough strength of schedule to propel the Tigers past Boise State in the BCS standings. Oklahoma State is destined to lose one of three tough games against Baylor, Kansas State and Oklahoma.
Could it be the second straight season where an unranked preseason team went to a national championship?
Don’t be afraid to say it – Clemson IS on their way to a very special season.
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