These Tigers are hungry

Since the inception of the college football playoff (2014), Clemson will have been in four out of the five times, winning it all in 2016. This Saturday, the Tigers will once again try to advance to win it all for the big prize- The National Championship.

In 2016, Clemson was lead by Deshaun Watson, and accompained by Wayne Gallman and Mike Williams, this three-headed monster tore through a very good Alabama defense to win the National Championship. It was the offense that helped Clemson win their first title since 1981. Watson was dangerous in a sense that his speed was deceptive but his arm was what was impressive. The following season (2017), Kelly Bryant was behind center and helped Clemson get to the playoff, but Bryant had issues stretching the field like Watson could. It limited Clemson in play calling and cost them to lose against Alabama in last years Sugar Bowl.

For Clemson to contend for the playoff, they had to find a signal caller that could not only replicate Deshawn Watson, but could take Clemson back to the promise land. Enter true freshman, Trevor Lawrence. The 6’6 young QB from Cartersville, GA has lived up to his hometown hype. For the season, Lawrence has thrown for over 2606 yards, 24 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. That is impressive for a true freshman. Lawrence’s arm strength was good enough to beat out senior Kelly Bryant for the starting position, and it was good enough to get the Tigers in the college football playoff.

Another area of strength for the Tigers has been their defensive line- Dexter Lawrence, Clelin Ferrell, and Christian Wilkins have wreaked havoc on opposing teams this season. They all three have totaled for 17 sacks and 43 tackles, including 9 interceptions and 14 fumbles. Sadly, the Tigers will be without Lawrence due to failing a recent drug test. But regardless of this issue, Clemson has a top 5 defense and it will give Notre Dame all it can handle.

Dabo and his team hungry. They came up short last season and have been living with it ever since. But this team is different; they have a Quarterback that can stretch the field and a defense that can get after it. Will it be good enough to beat a good Notre Dame team? Tune into the Cotton Bowl this Saturday at 4 PM on ESPN to find out.