Clemson Tigers 2010 College Football Predictions – BCS Odds 2011: The Clemson Tigers are a program that should be respectable in 2010 in spite of losing their great running back C.J. Spiller to the NFL Draft last April. The Tigers were recently picked by media representatives who cover ACC football to finish second in the ACC Atlantic Division behind Florida State and ahead of Boston College. Clemson was not ranked in the preseason USA-Today/Coaches Poll released August 6.
Clemson only has a long shot's chance of winning the 2011 BCS Championship, installed at BetUS.com at +4000 or 40-to-1 odds. BetUS oddsmakers like the Tigers chances of winning the ACC Atlantic Division listing the team at +200 and are getting +500 odds to win the ACC outright.
Another reason for optimism about the 2010 Tigers offense is the line. Clemson returns four starters from last years unit that was one of the best in the ACC. Clemson has won an average of nine games per year when it returns at least four offensive line starters from the previous year.
Leading the offensive line is All-America candidate Chris Hairston, a 6-7, 325-pound tackle who will be in his third year as a starter in 2010. Joining him as returning starters are sophomore center Dalton Freeman, junior tackle Landon Walker, and junior guard Antoine McClain.
Clemson has more holes to fill defensively. They do have three returning players who are listed as preseason candidates for the Bronko Nagurski Defensive Player of the Year Award. One is returning first-team All-America safety DeAndre McDaniel, who led the ACC in interceptions last year with eight, tying a Clemson record. Like Spiller before him, he rejected an opportunity to turn professional and will return for his senior year.
The returning linebackers include Brandon Maye, who had 103 tackles last year, third on the team. But, he is the only returning starter at the second line of defense. Kevin Alexander, who also saw time at defensive end, has graduated after a solid senior year that saw him rack up 50 stops.
2010 Outlook: After back to back warmups to start the season versus North Texas (Sept. 4) and Presbyterian College (Sept. 11) Clemson will face a test when they travel to play the Auburn Tigers, ranked No. 23 in the preseason USA-Today/Coaches Poll. Auburn is one of five ranked teams appearing on Clemson's schedule this campaign.
Clemson will find a way to win at least seven games and play in the bowl season. However, winning the ACC when the league is already so top-heavy might be a reach.
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