Clemson Football: 5 reasons why the Tigers will struggle in 2017

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers reacts after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 35-31 to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 31: Kelly Bryant #2 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates defeating the Oklahoma Sooners with a score of 37 to 17 to win the 2015 Capital One Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on December 31, 2015 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

2. No consistency at quarterback

We’ve hit on the importance of Watson to the Clemson offense quite a few times already. However, either junior Kelly Bryant or freshman and former five-star recruit Hunter Johnson will be the next man up behind center.

Bryant should start the season as the guy that’ll have the keys to the Clemson offense. But he’ll have a short leash if he does not perform early. Johnson is the best long-term option but he’ll have some growing pains associated with him.

Only 18 passes have been attempted by Bryant in his career, and one of those attempts was picked off. With Johnson being a freshman, that means that the two options at quarterback have 18 combined attempts between them. For defending National Champions, that is not a successful formula.

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