College Football Rankings: Way-too-early Top 25 projections for 2018
By Zach Bigalke
Clemson lost their rubber match against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, falling 24-6 to the Crimson Tide in New Orleans. The Tigers were the top-ranked team heading into the College Football Playoff, but the defending national champions missed out on their chance to repeat with the defeat against Nick Saban’s crew.
Clemson struggled to get anything going against Alabama in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Kelly Bryant threw for just 124 yards on 18-of-36 passing, tossing two picks and no scores on the night. The Tigers couldn’t muster even two yards per carry when they elected to run the ball. That Tide dominance could cost Clemson a few spots in the preseason AP Top 25.
Nevertheless, it was still a solid season for Clemson. They found a decent new starter in Bryant after losing multiyear starter Deshaun Watson to the NFL. Clemson also boasted one of the best defenses in the country, giving up fewer than 14 points and 280 yards per game to opposing offenses.
This year, Clemson was able to overcome a surprise loss to Syracuse to reach the College Football Playoff. The Tigers found no serious challengers in the ACC Atlantic in 2017, and they will be the clear frontrunner once again for the conference crown. Vegas is high on the Tigers as well, putting Clemson as the second favorite behind Alabama for the national title.