9. CLEMSON

2005 record: 8-4, 4-4 (3rd in ACC)
2005 bowl: Beat Colorado 19-10 in Champs Sports
2005 final AP/coaches' ranking: 21/21
Coach: Tommy Bowden (52-33, 7 years; 70-37 overall, 9 years)
Offensive coordinator: Rob Spence (2nd year)
Defensive coordinator: Vic Koenning (2nd year)
Offensive scheme: Multiple
Defensive scheme: Multiple
Returning offensive starters: 8
Returning defensive starters: 7
Location: Clemson, S.C.
Stadium: Memorial (grass, 81,473)
Last league title: 1991
2006 schedule: [view]
2005 statistics: [view]

Offense: Rob Spence, entering his second season as Clemson’s offensive coordinator, made an obvious impact last season. The Tigers became an effective running team – on first down, second down, any down. Clemson averaged 153 yards per game (after managing just 107.5 in 2004). That trend should continue because all five offensive line starters (and nine of the top 10 players) are returning, including three-year starters Barry Richardson and Marion Dukes at the tackles. Chief beneficiary of that group is sophomore running back James Davis, who scooted for 879 yards and nine touchdowns in his debut season, even though he missed some time with a broken wrist. Expect true freshman C.J. Spiller, who Clemson plucked away from his home-state Florida schools, to also see action. Then there’s change-of-pace Reggie Merriweather, who had 715 yards and seven touchdowns. That depth throughout the running game will take considerable pressure off quarterback Will Proctor, a fifth-year senior who had been Charlie Whitehurst’s backup. The top target is senior wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, who had 64 catches last season to lead the ACC.  

Grant Halverson / Getty Images Clemson sophomore running back James Davis was the ACC rookie of the year last season.

Defense: The Tigers got a big boost when likely first-rounder Gaines Adams disdained the NFL draft and returned to anchor the defensive line. Adams, who had 9 ½ sacks last season, might be the ACC’s top defensive player. And he has help. Defensive tackle Donnell Clark is a run-stuffer and perfect compliment to the disruptive, havoc-wreaking skills of Adams. Clemson’s linebackers are fast and physical, maybe the school’s best three-man corps in many years. Anthony Waters is a classic middle linebacker who leads through sheer effort. Strongside linebacker Tramaine Billie plays with knock-out passion, while Nick Watkins covers a lot of ground himself from the weak side. The biggest question mark is at cornerback, where Duane Coleman, a converted tailback, and C.J. Gaddis, a former safety, are the projected starters. 

Specialists: Clemson had a big problem at punter, where Cole Chason’s kicks were blocked five times. The protection scheme must be addressed. Place-kicker Jad Dean was exceptional, making 24 of 31 field-goal attempts.

Game of the year Oct. 2 at Alabama There’s plenty of incentive here. Meyer endured the most lopsided loss of his Florida tenure in 2005 in a 31-3 drubbing during the team’s last trip to Tuscaloosa. Then there’s the revenge factor from last season, when 'Bama rolled 32-13 in the SEC title game.

Coaching: Tommy Bowden weathered the early storm in his career. A string of mediocre finishes, and an inability to advance through the ACC pecking order, had his job in jeopardy. But now he’s on the verge of turning the corner.

Heisman Hopefuls: Davis, the ACC rookie of the year, will be on the radar.

Overview: It says a lot about Clemson’s program that the Tigers can be replacing an ultra-experienced quarterback, yet be picked for a potential breakthrough season. But the defense and running game are capable of carrying the program to new heights. Last season, the Tigers lost four games by a combined 14 points, but still rallied for a nice finish. Clemson is better, and now it might be time for the Tigers to get more luck, too.