COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY 9
The Favorite
Clemson is the clear-cut favorite having won three
straight conference titles with 15 returning starters from
last year’s CFB Playoff run. Along with the eight returning
defensive starters, Dabo Swinney returns his entire
starting defensive line where the tigers ranked 1st in the
country tallying up 31.0 sacks for the season. On the
offensive side of the ball, they get back top offensive tackle
Mitch Hyatt who will protect Kelly Bryant and lead the
Tigers offense with playmakers at essentially every position
on the field. Clemson will be a favorite to claim the
2018 national championship. That’s the level Swinney has
this program at consistently.
The Forgotten
Dino Babers pulled off the biggest upset of last year when
Syracuse beat Clemson 27-24 in the Carrier Dome. The
problem is he has posted two straight 4-8 overall records
while also going 2-6 both years in conference play. If his
team can post a .500 record in conference play, look for
Syracuse to make their first bowl appearance since 2013
and Babers to extend his stay in Syracuse.
The Dark Horse
Mark Richt’s Hurricanes are starting to bring back the
swagger for which the U was once known. The Hurricanes
showed promise by climbing the ranks to #2 in the country
and earning a NY6 bowl bid, but they dropped three
straight to conclude their season. With seven starters
coming back on the offensive side of the ball and eight on
defense, watch out for the Hurricanes to snatch that ever
elusive ACC Championship Trophy if Clemson suffers a
let down.
On the Hot Seat
Larry Fedora’s seat could get as hot as any in the US if his
Tar Heels start slow. This past season, he had the worst
record in his coaching career as the Tar Heels posted a 3-9
record. If he fails to make another bowl game this season,
there will be trouble brewing in Raleigh.