A prevailing issue is replacing QB Charlie Whitehurst, who left such a lasting legacy. Will Proctor, a rising senior, will be the first option, but Clemson is also counting on freshmen Tribble Reese and Cullen Harper to push Proctor. The defense made tremendous strides last season under new coordinator Vic Koenning. The Tigers have a solid backfield and emerging receiver corps. This team could be a serious contender to unseat Florida State as division champs if the Seminoles have another midseason stumble. DB Serigo Gilliam made a statement with three interceptions in the spring game.
COACHING CAROUSEL: As usual with Clemson, there was some turnover. Chris Rumph replaced Marion Hobby as the defensive line coach. Hobby accepted a position with the New Orleans Saints. Rumph worked the past three years at Memphis, which ranked No. 23 nationally last year in turnover margin. In addition, Jack Hines, the tight ends coach, and Bowden's brother-in-law, resigned to pursue outside business. It was a move everyone expected to happen. Hines struggled as a position coach, moving from defensive backs to linebackers to tight ends in seven seasons.
SCHEDULE SITUATION: The Tigers will know their place in the Atlantic Division race by mid-September, after facing Boston College and Florida State on the road in consecutive weeks. This will be the defining part of the season. If they split, especially beating FSU, then Clemson is in great shape to win the division. Two losses and they're out. The rest of the schedule gets very favorable with six home games in the final nine games. Non-conference games include Louisiana Tech, Temple and Florida Atlantic, along with a season-ending home finale with rival South Carolina. If the Tigers survive September, they could be a title contender.