and a few other national guys think Clemson is the best team in the country. I’m not sure what to think. Would you guys put Clemson in our top 4 now?
Here is his take…
Todd McShay:
Underrated: Clemson Tigers
I know, I know, they rank third in the AP Top 25, but this is more based on public perception than the polls. This past Saturday, I witnessed firsthand just how explosive this Tigers team is, as they ran Miami off the field 58-0. A dangerous dual threat, QB Deshaun Watson is starting to show a really strong feel for the offense (fourth overall in Total QBR). The rest of the offense is good, but the way Watson and RB Wayne Gallman fit within the system makes it very hard to defend. The defense is what takes this from a very good team to a national title contender. It’s amazing what this unit has been able to do after losing seven starters from last year, including two first-rounders (Vic Beasley and Stephone Anthony). Led by DE Shaq Lawson and safety Jayron Kearse – both of whom look like future first-round picks – the Tigers rank in the top five defensively in adjusted Total QBR allowed, yards per game, interception rate, third-down conversions and first downs per game. Overlook these guys at your own risk.
I think it’s safe to say top eight or nine as long as Watson is healthy. Potential to be the top dog, but there’s lots and lots of football left to play. If something happens to Watson, more like top 25. Clemson’s good without him, great with him.
A lot of people talked about how the defense would struggle with the losses to the draft, many of us knew differently and said so. They’ve done a great job recruiting and building depth. Couple that with Venables schemes and aggressive nature and there’s been very little drop off. The offense is just now gelling and hitting its stride. The one game a week season and mentality has kept them focused not to mention the policy of keeping off social media. Dabo and the coaches have them focused and there’s a lot of leaders on this team. Still a lot of football to play but all of them are winnable.
The great thing for the Tigers though is that this is a very young team.
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
When it comes to rankings I look at who the team has played.
3(OSU, Baylor, TCU) of the top 10 teams has not played another ranked team. 1 has played 1 (Clemson). That is 4 of the top 5
Based on this, my top 4 are:
LSU
MSU
Bama
Iowa
Just for information, Top 10 are:
OSU and Baylor has not played a ranked team.
Clemson played 1
LSU played 3
TCU zero
MSU played 2
Bama played 4 (lost to 1)
Stanford played 2 (lost to an unranked)
ND played 2 (lost to 1)
Iowa played 2
You sure are putting a lot weight on an LSU win over a now unranked Auburn, and a squeak by win to a #25 Miss State. No doubt LSU is good, but to but LSU 1st, and put CU out of your top 4 shows your flawed system and/or biased view against CU.
What happens next week? Bama jumps to your #1 after it beats LSU? You just insert the best SEC team of the week and call it good?
So Shevy ask who would be in the top 4. so I gave mine, using REAL information (like it or not). and you call it bias because i did not include your team. The real bias is you.
I will give you a reason why CU is not in my top 4. They have play ND (ranked team). But ND has played 2 ranked teams and lost to 1 of them (Clemson). And the 1 they beat is GT. who is no longer in the top half of rankings. I personally believe that OSU and ND are 2 of the most over rated teams in the nation (not the only 2). Never team has beaten anyone good.
I think hell would freeze over before you ever allowed CU to be in your top 4.
I’m calling out your emphasis on early season rankings. You will probably be spinning it later in the year and talk about end of season rankings to build up the SEC like you have in the past.
I have taken your logic and adjusted for wins against teams that are still ranked.
Just for information, Top 10 are:
OSU and Baylor has not played a ranked team. (Agree the both are overhyped)
Clemson played 1
LSU played 2
TCU zero
MSU played 1
Bama played 2 (lost to 1)
Stanford played 1 (lost to an unranked)
ND played 1 (lost to 1)
Iowa played 0
Clemson
LSU
MSU
Bama
I put Clemson at the top because I am biased and because they allow fewer points but score as well. Either way, IMO, looking at past performance, W vs. L, and current rankings, I don’t know how you keep CU out the top 4.
Not trying to kill your thread Shevy. I’m just different I guess. Right now I’m not even comfortable if one of my friends says good game. It’s like a pitcher having a no-hitter working. You don’t talk to him, you don’t sit near him, you don’t even look at him. It’s like he has the plague.
With that logic Memphis should be there as well. They beat 1 ranked team that is still ranked.
Your logic works as well. And yes the end of the year ranking are way more important than earlier rankings. Just so you know I actually have CU as #5
You can not ask for someones opinion, then disagree with that opinion. The reason I put so much info is so you could see why I have my opinion.
I find it funny how you argue with me about this but the COACH’S poll have CU at #6. Who’s opinion is better a coach or a writer???
Not trying to kill your thread Shevy. I’m just different I guess. Right now I’m not even comfortable if one of my friends says good game. It’s like a pitcher having a no-hitter working. You don’t talk to him, you don’t sit near him, you don’t even look at him. It’s like he has the plague.
No worries and I think I’m the one that is different. I don’t believe in superstitions and such. I will eat bananas on a boat while fishing any day.
This whole section is about arguing over opinion. Don’t let your tight pants get in a bunch.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
I wouldn’t let is stress you. FishBbiased wouldn’t put Clemson in the top 10 even if they won the Championship game. He was one of the ones that said Clemson would have drop off on defense, not be good on offense and though Sakkerliner would be a good team. I’m also pretty sure he was confident in Spurrier’s coaching abilities coming into the year. FishBbiased is wrong a lot.[:0]
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
FishB8 doing his mental math again. Well Clemson beat Georgia Tech, who beat FSU, but Notre Dame also beat Georgia Tech, shortly after Notre Dame beat USC who also beat Utah, who also beat Michigan, who just beat Michigan State, so therefore, Clemson is number 1 in the world. The end.
[:0]