Breaking Down the Top 25: #22 Clemson

Courtesty of mkrob.com

Clemson's Kyle Parker had a big decision to make earlier on this summer. It seemed like he had to make a decision between going straight to the MLB, or play college football. In the end, Parker is $1.4 million richer, and the Clemson coaching staff/fanbase couldn't be happier. Parker was a redshirt freshman last year as he threw for 20 TD's for the Tigers. Even though the losses of C.J. Spiller, Kavell Conner, and Ricky Sapp will be tough to swallow, the return of Parker has given me the confidence to put the Tigers within my Top 25.

#22 Clemson Tigers

2009 Record: 8-4

Better or Worse in 2010: Same

September 4th: North Texas-- W
Why: North Texas @ Clemson

September 11th: Presbyterian-- W
Why: Child please

September 18th: @Auburn-- L
Why: After two cupcakes to start the season, Clemson will have to drink a bottle of humble milk as Auburn's hopes for a double digit win will not be thrown off by their hardest OOC game in 2010. Cameron Newton gets used to an offense fit for even a medicore quarterback and gets by Clemson's defense just enough to warrant a win in Auburn

September 25th: BYE

October 2nd: Miami, FL-- L
Why: Clemson beat UM in overtime last season as defense simply did not show up in a 40-37 slugfest. Both teams are much improved defensively and this game will be extremely close. Low scoring, but Jacory Harris has a thing for being clutch.

October 9th: @North Carolina-- W
Why: UNC is in a bit of trouble right now with a few off the field issues as well as a somewhat poor offense. If UNC is at full strength, this game will be tough to call, but at this point, Advantage: Clemson

October 16th: Maryland-- W
Why: In College Park, I would say a possible upset could be in order, but this game will be played in Clemson. Clemson wins games at home against medicore opponents 9 of 10 times.

October 23rd: Georgia Tech-- W
Why: No one will figure out the GT triple option, but Clemson has seen it almost as much as anyone. 3 times in the last two years. Familiarity breeds contempt, and Clemson is 0-3 against the Yellow Jackets. The Tigers will make that statistic look a little better.

October 30th: @Boston College-- L
Why: Boston College and Clemson have had some thrilling games as this rivalry has become a great addition to the ACC. Clemson dismembered BC last year and BC will be seeking some sort of revenge. In Chestnut Hill, a game is always in play.

November 6th: NC State-- W
Why: NC State will stay competitive with a decent passing attack and a great quarterback, but the NC State defense is not a strength at this point. Tigers win by the commencement of the 4th quarter.

November 13th: @Florida State-- W
Why: Clemson beat FSU soundly last year as Kyle Parker was able to find his rythym during the end of the season. FSU only has 5 returning starters on defense but talent on offense is where the fall of the Seminoles will be. Low scoring affair as Clemson contains Ponder and his minions.

November 20th: @Wake Forest-- W
Why: Wake Forest will not have a great team this year as they try and rebuild after the departure of Riley Skinner. Grobe does his best, but in the end, athletes and talent will seize the day.

November 27th: South Carolina-- L
Why: The SEC is a great conference, and worst case scenario for the Gamecocks, they are fighting for a bowl bid at this point while Clemson will not have too much to fight for. Stephen Garcia shows why he was 2nd to only Jimmy Clausen during their high school recruitment.

December 4th: BYE

2010 Prediction: (8-4) (6-2)