Head Coach: Dabo Swinney, 16th year: 161-39
Clemson Tigers Preview 2023
The Clemson Tigers are coming off a 11-3 season in 2022, and they are looking to get back to the College Football Playoff. The Tigers return a number of key players, including quarterback Cade Klubnik, running back Will Shipley, and wide receiver Justyn Ross.
Klubnik is entering his second season as the starting quarterback, and he is looking to build on his strong finish to the 2022 season. He threw for 1,155 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final four games.
Shipley is one of the most dynamic running backs in the country, and he is coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,061 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield, as he caught 35 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns in 2022.
Ross is a former five-star recruit who has been slowed by injuries in recent years. However, he is healthy and ready to make a big impact in 2023. He caught 46 passes for 600 yards and six touchdowns in 2021.
The Tigers also have a number of other talented players on offense, including wide receivers Joseph Ngata and Beaux Collins, tight end Davis Allen, and offensive linemen Matt Bockhorst and Hunter Rayburn.
On defense, the Tigers return a number of key players, including linebacker Barrett Carter, defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, and defensive back Andrew Booth Jr.
Carter is one of the best linebackers in the country, and he is coming off a season in which he recorded 10.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Bresee is a potential All-American, and he is coming off a season in which he recorded 5.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. Booth Jr. is a lockdown cornerback, and he is coming off a season in which he intercepted four passes and returned one for a touchdown.
The Tigers also have a number of other talented players on defense, including defensive backs Mario Goodrich and Andrew Mukuba, defensive end Myles Murphy, and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
The Tigers have a tough schedule in 2023, but they have the talent to compete with anyone. They will open the season at home against Georgia Tech, and they will also face off against Notre Dame, Florida State, and NC State.
I predict that the Tigers will win 11 games in 2023. They have the talent to make a run at the College Football Playoff, but they will need to stay healthy and avoid any major upsets.
Key Players
- Quarterback: Cade Klubnik
- Running back: Will Shipley
- Wide receiver: Justyn Ross
- Linebacker: Barrett Carter
- Defensive tackle: Bryan Bresee
- Defensive back: Andrew Booth Jr.
Team Statistics
- Overall record: 11-3
- ACC record: 6-2
- Scoring offense: 35.2 points per game
- Scoring defense: 19.5 points per game
- Total offense: 457.3 yards per game
- Total defense: 329.7 yards per game
Prediction
11 wins