Following a national championship season a year ago, Clemson football remains at the forefront of the nation with Alabama. But should the Tigers be ahead of the Crimson Tide in the rankings?
As we head into the heart of the college football season, holding that coveted No. 1 ranking means very little right now. Sure, it’s a great and added bonus to be regarded as the best in the nation, but it won’t help come the end of November and first week in December when the final rankings are released.
To remain there, you have to keep winning.
Clemson knows that, and the Tigers have earned the right to call themselves No. 1 based on several factors.
Despite the loss of quarterback Deshaun Watson, running back Wayne Gallman, wide receiver Mike Williams, linebacker Ben Boulware and a handful of others from last year, Clemson has definitely adopted that “next main in” mantra and scored wins over three Top-15 teams on its way to a perfect 6-0 start.
Key dates with Georgia Tech, NC State, Florida State and rival South Carolina remain, along with a tricky “Friday the 13th” matchup this week with Syracuse, but here are five reasons the Tigers have earned the right to call themselves No. 1 right now: