Will anyone challenge Clemson in 2019? That’s the question following an undefeated campaign that featured 13 of 15 wins by at least 20 points. That includes running through Notre Dame and Alabama in the College Football Playoff by a combined 74-19 score line.
This season may not be as easy, but the Tigers are heavy favorites to win the ACC again, to go with +250 spring odds to win the National Championship at 5Dimes Sportsbook (slightly behind Alabama).
QB Trevor Lawrence a Top Heisman Contender
There’s no reason to doubt Clemson with Trevor Lawrence at quarterback, especially with a full offseason as starter under his belt. He torched opponents last year with 30 touchdowns and only four picks on 8.3 yards per attempt.
Throw in the return of top wide outs Justyn Ross (1,000 yards, 9 TDs) and Tee Higgins (936 yards, 12 TDs) and it’s likely Lawrence will improve his numbers, which is why he’s a Heisman favorite.
The offense also returns top running back Travis Etienne (1,658 yards, 24 TDs) and his backup Lyn-J Dixon (547 yards, 5 TDs).
They return three starters and have talent in waiting for a line that led the way en route to 6.8 yards per carry as a team and that should be attainable again. After going for 44.3 points and 527 yards per contest last year, the Tigers should be just as good in 2019, if not better.
Defensive Line Sees New Faces
The biggest question is on the defensive side, where almost the entire line was sent to the NFL. Of course, there’s still tons of talent on this Brent Venables defense, highlighted by end Xavier Thomas, who had 10.5 tackles for loss last year as a freshman.
Leading tackler Isaiah Simmons returns at linebacker with a couple other upperclassmen in the mix, though the surprising departure of Shaq Smith doesn’t help. The secondary could drop off, especially if the line doesn’t get to the quarterback as often.
Former wide receiver Derion Kendrick has turned into a starting cornerback with A.J. Terrell, while safety remains the same. These guys were in favorable spots all last year because of a dominant front, but will likely be asked to do more with less experience on the line.
Dabo Swinney keeps churning at Clemson, but after another title, his biggest task will be making his team not overlook the regular season. The Tigers are heavy favorites to make the CFP and it’d be easy to look ahead to another meeting with Alabama, but even in a weaker ACC, they still needed late wins last season.
An Undefeated Season Still on the Table
Early back-to-back games against A&M and Syracuse could be interesting since those were the closest matchups in 2018. Otherwise, Clemson doesn’t have an overly difficult road schedule until NC State and South Carolina late in the season. And similar to last year, it’s unlikely this team has trouble against Florida State or anyone else in the ACC.
The defense may not be as dominant, but with Lawrence at quarterback, it’s hard to see the Tigers not making the College Football Playoff again. An undefeated season will be in the cards and those early games will be difficult, but it won’t be easy betting against this team. The defensive front is new, though it’s also full of talented younger players looking to prove themselves.
2019 Clemson Tigers Football Schedule
Aug. 29 vs. Georgia Tech
Sept. 7 vs. Texas A&M
Sept. 14 at Syracuse
Sept. 21 vs. Charlotte
Sept. 28 at North Carolina
Oct. 12 vs. Florida State
Oct. 19 at Louisville
Oct. 26 vs. Boston College
Nov. 2 vs. Wofford
Nov. 9 at NC State
Nov. 16 vs. Wake Forest
Nov. 30 at South Carolina