Clemson Football: 5 reasons why the Tigers won't repeat in 2017

Clemson Football: 5 reasons why the Tigers won’t repeat in 2017

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers players celebrate after they beat the Alabama Crimson TideNCAAFB-ac1483679038.txt in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) enterst the stadium before the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

4. The loss of Deshaun Watson

This might actually be the No. 1 reason why Clemson will not repeat as national champions. The Tigers are losing arguably the best college football player and in Clemson history.

Deshaun Watson was the engine of the offense the last two seasons and that is why he holds the top two passing performances in national championship game history. He will be very hard to replace on the field but even harder to replace in the locker room.

Watson might not have been as loud as former linebacker Ben Boulware or as talented as former receiver Mike Williams, but he was the thermometer of the team.

The team never got too high or too low and that is because Watson never went to such extremes. Boulware will be replaced by a more athletic linebacker in junior Kendall Joseph and Williams will be replaced by a more well-rounded receiver in junior Deon Cain.

But who will replace Watson?

Junior Kelly Bryant and freshman Hunter Johnson will try to replace Watson, but they will fall short of the mark.

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