OFFENSE

Clemson’s offense almost has to be better this year. Cole Stoudt is gone and even though the realistic backup QB options are true freshmen in Tucker Israel and Kelly Bryant, it can’t get worse than what we saw in 2014.

But the most important part of the offense is the health of QB Deshaun Watson’s knee. The sophomore has had an excellent rehabilitation this spring according to media reports and should be good to go to start the 2015 season. His health will be a concern, he had three major injuries in 12 months, but even without him this should be a better offense.

The wide receivers have another year of experience and Ray-Ray McCloud and Deon Cain will add electricity to a group that could be one of the strongest in the country. Mike Williams will likely anchor the receivers with Artavis Scott, Gerome Hopper, and Charon Peake also fighting for playing time.

While Clemson’s running backs may not have that electrifying speed, they are a solid group led by Wayne Gallman and should be more productive than the rather anemic rushing attack we saw last year.

But the big concern for the running game and the entire offense is the play of the offensive line. Once again Clemson’s poor recruiting at the position leaves them short of talent and depth. The first 5 are likely to be average, but the problems come when these guys have to sit out due to injury or the need for a rest.

Clemson’s offense will go as far as their offensive line will let them, and hopefully some of the true freshmen, including Mitch Hyatt, can get some quality snaps in.

 

DEFENSE

On defense Clemson will be worse by default. This was the best unit in the country last year and they lost a significant portion of the defensive line and line backing corp.

On the line Clemson should be ok with the starters, but once again there is a lot of unproven depth. If that depth pans out then the defense should be fine, but if the starters are the only ones able to consistently pressure the QB and contain the run it could get ugly.

The rest of the defense should be fine, though another CB to step up would help balance out any DL deficiencies. The hard part for fans will be understanding that there is an inevitable let down from the 2014 season and adjusting expectations accordingly. But this defense will be good enough to allow Clemson to compete.

 

BUY or SELL?

For the 2015 season things set up rather well for Clemson. The Tigers get FSU and Notre Dame at home, though they have to travel to Columbia to play South Carolina. They also have the advantage of playing an inexperienced Louisville side early in the season. It is a Thursday night game, but that early in the season Clemson should have an advantage over the inexperienced Cardinals.

I think this should be another 10-2 season for Clemson with a chance to be even better. FSU will be a tough game despite their rebuilding, but Notre Dame and South Carolina are wild cards. It is very possible Clemson will win both games, but also possible they lose one or both. I’d be very disappointed if Clemson doesn’t win at least 1 of these 3 games assuming Deshaun Watson is healthy.

I think the playoffs are still a year away barring a surprise run, but you never know what may happen.

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Brian Lewis of Shakin the Southland provided the information for our Clemson Football 2015 Spring recap.  For more Clemson football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Brian on Twitter @Brian_Goodison.

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