ESPN.com Preseason Power Rankings 2012
16. Clemson
Clemson is one of the most talented teams in the country on offense, but how will the Tigers replace three starters each on the offensive and defensive lines? Clemson's offense still should take another step forward in the second season under coordinator Chad Morris, as record-setting receiver Sammy Watkins returns along with quarterback Tajh Boyd and 1,000-yard rusher Andre Ellington. The defense will go through a transition under first-year coordinator Brent Venables and will rely on defensive end Malliciah Goodman to help compensate for the loss of leading pass-rusher Andre Branch. The Tigers have a legitimate chance to defend their ACC title and can put an embarrassing Orange Bowl loss behind them, but they have to improve quickly up front. -- Heather Dinich, ESPN.com ACC blogger
Advertisement
ESPN Video
- 00:43
High schooler with Down syndrome sinks 3-pointer
Leslie County (Ky.) High School's Ethan Wolfe, who has Down syndrome, checks into the game and knocks down a 3-pointer.
- 02:04
Hurts surprises family with donation toward a new home
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts surprises a family, whose child is battling cancer, with a $30,000 donation to go toward a new home.
- 01:25
Ron Rivera rings the bell after final day of cancer treatment
Washington coach Ron Rivera receives an ovation as he walks down the hospital hallway to ring the bell after his final day of cancer treatment.
