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Clemson is no stranger to SEC fans.
The Tigers play South Carolina every season, including this one. They also opened the previous two seasons against Georgia. In 2012, they beat Auburn in the opener and LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
As non-conference opponents go, the SEC has as much familiarity with the Tigers as anyone.
But the SEC hasn’t seen this version of Clemson — and not just because the Tigers’ game Saturday at South Carolina is its first this season against the league.
Clemson beat writer Scott Keepfer explains in a Q&A what makes the No. 1 team in the country so dangerous to the SEC’s national championship hopes:
Question: In regards to Alabama and the SEC, what is the general opinion of Clemson’s chances to win a national title? Are players and fans sick of hearing about the SEC?
Keepfer: Will “running rampant” suffice? Like many fan bases, Clemson has a segment of fans that believe that their team has a chance to win a national title every year, but this year that sentiment is legitimate. Prior to this season, I was convinced that Clemson was a year away from being a serious contender for a national title, primarily due to the loss of eight starters off last year’s top-ranked defense, but the replacements have matured rapidly and the offense hasn’t missed a beat.
Yes, I certainly believe that Clemson players and fans alike are sick of hearing about the SEC. Several Clemson players made reference to a perceived “SEC bias” when Alabama and LSU remained highly ranked even after losses this season.
Many Clemson fans contend that their team has had to earn its ranking while the highly rated SEC teams were living on past reputations.
There also is a prevailing sense that the SEC was exposed during last year’s bowl season, and the close games during the league’s “Cupcake Saturday” last week only added fuel to that contention. Clemson fans also point to the fact that coach Dabo Swinney is 7-7 in head-to-head meetings vs. SEC teams, including wins against LSU, Auburn and Georgia since 2012.
Q: Deshaun Watson should be getting more Heisman hype. Is he good enough to lead Clemson to the national title? How would you grade his running, passing ability?
Keepfer: He certainly is. Watson is a smart runner who’s deceptively fast; he’s a smooth-as-silk navigator after tucking the ball, and appears to glide almost effortlessly through the smallest of cracks in a defense.
He also has a knack for knowing when he should or shouldn’t run and for recognizing where the first down marker is.
His passing ability is unquestioned, as evidenced by a completion rate of more than 70 percent, and his touch – particularly on deep throws – seems to have improved as the season has progressed.
https://vine.co/v/iug2nBul1gL
But I’m convinced that his best attribute is his ability to remain calm under duress or in the wake of a mistake. He shrugs off bad plays and typically more than makes amends with a pinpoint throw on the next play or possession.
Q: Say Alabama takes Watson away — not a stretch; they dominated Dak Prescott. What is Clemson’s Plan B and Plan C?
Keepfer: Plan B: Feed the beast that is running back Wayne Gallman. Gallman, who already is over 1,000 yards rushing this season, is a violent runner who doesn’t shy away from contact and is extremely durable, as evidenced by his 31 carries (for 172 yards) at N.C. State on Oct. 31.
Plan C: Rely on the nation’s fifth-ranked defense and attempt to muster enough offense to eke out a victory. With a secondary led by two future pros in Jayron Kearse and Mackensie Alexander, Clemson’s defense ranks in the Top 10 nationally in 11 categories, which really makes for some tough sledding – even if you’re Alabama.
Q: Finally, who are 3 other names SEC fans should worry about in a potential playoff game, and why?
Keepfer: Artavis Scott, Jordan Leggett and Ben Boulware.
Scott, a sophomore wide receiver from the Tampa Bay area who had several SEC offers, leads the team with 72 receptions and is capable of scoring from anywhere, much like he did when he gathered in a short swing pass and dashed 65 yards for a TD on the first play against Oklahoma in the Russell Athletic Bowl last year.
“@ESPNCFB: Artavis Scott!
The Clemson WR jukes by the Oklahoma defense & goes for a TD http://t.co/iKVkDOFbsE
Speed is always the answer— Dan Sorey (@DanSorey) December 30, 2014
He’s Watson’s classmate and roommate, so they have a tight bond and are in sync, both on and off the field.
Leggett, a junior tight end who is one of three finalists for the Mackey Award, has receiver skills in a tight end body and leads Clemson’s pass catchers with six touchdowns.
Boulware, a junior linebacker, is the fiery, emotional leader of the defense; he lives for contact and, in the words of defensive coordinator Brent Venables, “plays with his hair on fire.”
Best thing about the trio? They should all return next season.
Managing Editor
A 30-time APSE award-winning editor with previous stints at the Miami Herald, The Indianapolis Star and News & Observer, Executive Editor Chris Wright oversees editorial operations for Saturday Down South.
