ACC Football Power Rankings, Week 1: Can Clemson reclaim the throne?

1. Clemson Tigers

This season will prove that Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is either a genius or too stubborn to change. Swinney’s comments about the transfer portal aside, the Tigers promoted internally instead of going outside to replace offensive coordinator Tony Elliot and defensive coordinator Brent Venables.

How philosophically different will the offense be under new coordinator Brandon Streeter? Fans could ask the same question about new defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin. There is an argument that the defense has better pieces to work with than the offense.

The irony with Streeter as offensive coordinator is he was quarterback’s coach last season, which was a big struggle the previous season for the Tigers. Clemson had to hope to stay healthy as well this season. Injuries were as big an issue as anything for the Tigers last season.

Starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has to play better. Hopefully, the offensive line, running backs, and wide receivers can stay healthy this season. If they do, “DJU” has no excuse to play poorly this season. If he does struggle, is highly-touted freshman Cade Klubnik ready to take the helm?

No matter who plays, they have an elite defense that often gets them the football. The defensive line is the best they’ve had since the Cleeland Ferrell era and will get after the quarterback this fall.