Cole Little, senior staff writer for The Tiger, Clemson's student newspaper, answered a couple of questions from The Plainsman ahead of Auburn's opener against the Tigers from the ACC.
The Plainsman (TP): Clemson's coming off of an incredible season, and they were a couple bounces of the ball away from beating Alabama for the national championship. What's the expectation for the Tigers this year? Can they get over that hump?
The Tiger (TT): Expectations are definitely high in Clemson heading into the 2016 season. It does have sort of a national championship or bust feel to it, as the Tigers boast what is arguably the most talented roster in the nation. Therefore, they definitely have what it takes to “get over the hump,” but the college football season comes with many twists and turns. Expect the Clemson Tigers’ 2016 philosophy to be to take it one game at a time.
TP: The Clemson offense probably didn't get any worse compared to last year. In fact, they're probably better, with the readdition of Mike Williams. Do you think Deshaun Watson and Co. will have any letdowns compared to the high-octane scoring they churned out last year?
TT: Barring a significant injury, Clemson’s 2016 offense could be one of the best that college football has ever seen. With Mike Williams and Artavis Scott forming an electrifying duo in the starting lineup at wide receiver and several other highly talented wideouts, such as Ray-Ray McCloud and Hunter Renfrow, on the roster, Clemson is rife with talent. Redshirt junior running back Wayne Gallman is poised to have another outstanding season, and, needless to say, quarterback Deshaun Watson should make a run at the Heisman Trophy once again. There is no sign of an offensive letdown on the horizon.
TP: Clemson's defense is probably the biggest question mark for the Tigers, since so many starters departed for the NFL. What's the outlook there? Will they be able to hold up opposing offenses enough to Watson to outscore everyone?
TT: Despite losing several starters to the NFL, Clemson’s defense is poised to be even better this season than it was last season. True freshman pass rusher Dexter Lawrence will quickly establish himself as an imposing force, and proven senior Ben Boulware will lead the linebacker unit. There are some major question marks involving the inexperienced secondary, but Clemson’s defense should have no problem holding its own against opposing offenses.
TP: Auburn and Clemson have a somewhat decent cross-conference "rivalry", in that they've played each other pretty often, the last one coming in 2012. Is there any chance Dabo Swinney would let his guys look past an Auburn team that suffered mightily from disappointment in 2015, and is figuring out a ton of question marks heading into the 2016 season?
TT: There is no chance of that happening. Coach Swinney still rues the sickening 2010 loss to Cam Newton’s Auburn squad, and he has assuredly spent the entire offseason preparing his team for this game. The Tigers are national championship contenders, so getting off to a good start is very important. Expect Clemson to be fully invested in this opening game.
TP: How will the latest installment in the Auburn-Clemson series shake out?
TT: Since this is a mini-rivalry, it should be a contested game from the start. Expect Clemson’s offensive firepower to prove to be too much for Auburn’s defense handle by halftime. Auburn has too many question marks on offense, specifically at the quarterback spot, and will not be able to hang with Clemson. Expect the Clemson Tigers to win in runaway fashion.
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