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Evaluating the Top 10 Groups of FBS Returning Starters in 2017

By Zach Bigalke

Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners defensive end D.J. Ward (87) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners defensive end D.J. Ward (87) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Clemson is coming off beating Alabama for the 2016-2017 College Football Playoff national championship. Unfortunately for Dabo Swinney, he will have to try to mount a title defense without his start quarterback. Deshaun Watson is off to the NFL, leaving a hole at the most important position on offense. Along with Watson, the defending champs lose more than half their returning starters on offense.

But the defense should be just fine. Beginning up front with guys like Christian Wilkins, the Tigers return seven of their 11 starters on that side of the ball. While scoring might drop off a bit with a new starter at QB, Clemson could be even better at shutting down opponents from rolling up the scoreboard thanks to a dominant defenseive unit.

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