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TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 8:00 AM
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1st Rounder [658]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 8:17 AM
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Ryan, here's to hoping that opposing DCs also overlook the same position group that you did; Tight Ends.
With OC Tony Elliott taking over as position coach, this group could go a long way in adding more tools to the war chest.
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All-Conference [413]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 8:32 AM
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All comes down to the interior OL. We must get stronger there and I think Rayburn will be huge at center. Will give us great push we havent seen at center for a long time. Hope Brockhurst and Putnam have spent a lot of time this off season in the weight room. Mayes and Johnson hope can push for playing time, both are big and strong guys.
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Offensive Star [324]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 21, 2021, 3:55 AM
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Exactly , our OL has not opened holes consistently in the last 2 CFP games , with a great RB in Etienne . We had to throw the ball to Travis to get him involved in the offense . That has to change if we want to win it all . Number 2 our DL and secondary HAVE to play better than the last 2 CFP games . WE had very little consistent pass rush and that led to our secondary getting torched . These are the most IMPORTANT X factors to win it all .
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Clemson Sports Icon [59995]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 3:19 PM
[ in reply to Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run? ] |
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That is the exact reason that Tony is now working with the TEs!!! With the talent that we were getting with our TEs, they never seem to get any better with Pearman as the TEs coach, and that is the exact reason Pearman is the coordinator of the transfer portal, a part of college FB that hasn't been used for talent since it's existence for Dabo and our Tigers. IMO, Pearman is in a place that doesn't effect our players in a negative way as he did with our TEs!!!! 
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Trainer [41]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 8:21 AM
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Keys to a successful Season
1)QB 1 must stay healthy
2) Run game must be effective without QB runs
3) Safety play must be better.
Just a non football coaches opinion.
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All-Pro [700]
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Well done
Jul 9, 2021, 10:12 AM
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You pretty much summed it all up into a tweet-sized quote.
Bravo, honestly.
I love reading these articles about new guys, depth & development (especially in the off-season), but you kinda nailed it.
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Game Changer [1903]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 5:28 PM
[ in reply to Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run? ] |
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You are all over it. When the big plays were not there we struggle. A 4 or 5yd play will be devastating to our opponents this year with our defense. We need to keep our tempo based offense but longer drives coupled with this defense's ability to force 3 and outs is the key to the title. I see DJ as a pro style assassin. His accuracy and toughness can wear a defense out. Get the tight-ends involved and we will go 12-0. Worst case is 11-1. Just have to get in and this team has the depth to win it all!
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Top TigerNet [28931]
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Physicality and depth
Jul 9, 2021, 8:22 AM
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Ohio State and LSU roughed us up pretty good
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Orange Blooded [2121]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 9:08 AM
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In order for Clemson to win it all, there's got to be better play from both lines. The defensive line has not been dominating since that outstanding group of a few years ago went on to the NFL. We've had to depend on blitzes to get to the QB, mostly and that has to stop. The occasional blitz is fine, but we need constant pressure on the QB.
The DBs will be fine if there's heat on the opposing QBs and domination up front. I don't care if you have HOF DBs, there's a lot to keeping WRs covered when the QB has all day to throw.
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Clemson Sports Icon [59995]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 12:57 PM
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I agree, but BV will have a blitz package coming from somewhere into all parts of the offense with every offensive snap. He has made his living with designing blitz packages that confuses, and keeps offenses guessing throughout the game!!! But I agree that the heavy blitzing has sometimes caused chunk plays when the opposing QB is good at escaping the blitz!!!
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Top TigerNet [28654]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 3:36 PM
[ in reply to Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run? ] |
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In order for Clemson to win it all, there's got to be better play from both lines. The defensive line has not been dominating since that outstanding group of a few years ago went on to the NFL. We've had to depend on blitzes to get to the QB, mostly and that has to stop. The occasional blitz is fine, but we need constant pressure on the QB.
The DBs will be fine if there's heat on the opposing QBs and domination up front. I don't care if you have HOF DBs, there's a lot to keeping WRs covered when the QB has all day to throw.
We blitzed plenty when we had the Power Rangers....
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Tiger Titan [50577]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 9:19 AM
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Nobody can stop what is coming Let’s go Tigers ??
Win the ACC, beat two rivals, win our 3rd Natty in 6 years!!!
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All-Pro [700]
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Beating UGA
Jul 9, 2021, 10:09 AM
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Beating UGA, that's the ultimate x-factor.
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TigerNet Icon [158014]
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never know, may have to beat them twice.***
Jul 9, 2021, 10:50 AM
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All-Pro [700]
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Gotta beat 'em the first time
Jul 9, 2021, 10:58 AM
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Gotta beat 'em the first time to have a chance at the 2nd.
But if we win round 1, man, round 2 will be even bigger! I'm enjoying just thinking about it now. Thanks for that.
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Tiger Titan [47445]
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I don't think Georgia is a must win for us.
Jul 9, 2021, 2:40 PM
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Obviously we want to beat them, but a one-loss ACC champion Clemson isn't going to be left out of the playoffs.
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All-Pro [700]
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Re: I don't think Georgia is a must win for us.
Jul 10, 2021, 2:55 PM
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There are still only 4 spots in the CFP, though; not every one-loss conference champ can make the playoff.
Losing to UGA means we lose control of our own destiny is all, not that we'll definitely be out of the playoff, two different things.
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Clemson Conqueror [11849]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 10:36 AM
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Although it is a ways off, we have to be more competitive this year if the reach the CFP. I think we will start to lose credibility if we are not in the game three years in a row. The fact that we played great teams (LSU anyway) is lost on the general football public as all they know is the score. We have to bounce back like Bama did after we destroyed them. At least now we should have a bigger chip on our shoulder.
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National Champion [7495]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 11:14 AM
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Paul Tchio will see a lot of playing time. Hopefully Tayquon Johnson, Mitchell Mayes, or Marcus Tate can be ready to contribute as well. Having reliable depth behind Bockhorst and Putnam will be huge.
I’m also hoping that Ryan Linthicum will be ready to secure the #2 spot at center behind Rayburn. I’m not confident in Mason Trotter’s ability to get a push against interior defensive lineman. He’s too small IMO.
And it would be nice if Tristan Leigh is ready too. Tate, Mayes, and John Williams give us some depth at OT. But, Leigh was a 5 star recruit with loads of potential. So he’s probably the most talented of that group. Either way, this is probably the most talented offensive line we’ve had. Robbie Caldwell and Thomas Austin just have to get them ready. Because we’re so young up front.
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All-American [581]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 2:53 PM
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Having more depth on the OL is another good point. I didn't want to be too verbose in the article, but in addition to Rayburn, Bockhorst, and Putnam being critical, having more game-ready depth behind them is a big deal.
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National Champion [7495]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 3:26 PM
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I think we’ll have solid depth at guard and tackle. Tchio, Mayes, and Tayquon should be able to contribute at guard. Hopefully Tate, Leigh, and John Williams can contribute at tackle.
Depth at center is a concern.
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National Champion [7495]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 11:17 AM
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Also, Xavier Thomas, Andrew Booth, and Trenton Simpson’s progression is vital for our defense. XT is the most talented pass rusher we have. If he can finally live up to the hype, we could have the best defensive line in the country. If Andrew Booth becomes more consistent, he has 1st round potential and could lockdown one side of the field. Trenton Simpson is a freak athlete and could be a major problem for teams this year.
If all 3 of the players maximize their potential, I have no doubts that we’ll have the best defense in the nation.
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CU Medallion [19658]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 11:22 AM
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Interior OL was above average pass blocking and pitiful run blocking last year even by ACC standards. PFF grades reported by TNet staff in Jan 2021 was as follows for regular season:
Carman 79.8
Parks 78.9
Bockhorst 61.1
Tchio 63
Stewart 64.9
Trotter 65.1
Rayburn 57.3
Putnam 63.7
McFadden 83.5
Mayes 68.5
McFadden and Parks can do the job at LT and RT. I've read the light has turned on for redshirt-soph Rayburn. That's good news. I've read 3rd-year Putnam is hard-nosed and improving. Our most senior and worst OL looks to be Bockhorst, and he is representing the team at the ACC kickoff. D. Hood has mentioned Bochhorst is funny and a good story teller - good to know and wish him the best in next career maybe as a coach, announcer, sales or family business. But can he be nasty and dominate? If the interior line is not up to the task early in 2021, I would hope Mayes moves inside to RG and Leigh takes over at starting LG as soon as he is ready. In this scenario, Putnam and Rayburn and Trotter can fight it out for Center position.
Love Booth at CB and hope Davis and/or Greene can quickly replace Sheridan and Goodrich at CB where they are not cover men or tacklers. "Skinny" Nate Wiggins also looks ready to go in rotation - very excited about his potential. Hopefully Zanders and Mukuba can step up at Safety with help and coaching from proven old ranch hand Nolan Turner.
A healthy and confident DJ will bring it in 2021 with lots of talent at WR - just need receivers to stay healthy. And TE can be a real bonus strength in 2021 with refreshed attention from T. Elliott and Dabo.
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Tiger Titan [47445]
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Consistently scoring more points than the opposition.
Jul 9, 2021, 2:38 PM
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HTH.
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Rival Killer [3022]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 3:16 PM
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Safety is a huge concern for me. Turner and Zanders are not the most athletic guys and can be exploited against elite WRs. I'm curious if those two struggle early in the UGA game if we'll give Andrew Mukaba and Barrett Carter a chance.
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Clemson Sports Icon [59995]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 9, 2021, 3:27 PM
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That type of talent will be used regardless of the outcome with Turner and Zanders bc, Dabo has never kept our talented freshman off the field only bc they were young!!! Fall camp will determine how early they see the field in a game!!!
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CU Medallion [19658]
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National Champion [7563]
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WR - No mention of Ngata or Ladson??
Jul 9, 2021, 3:34 PM
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Did I miss it or did this article, while mentioning the return of Justyn Ross, entirely neglected to mention Ngata and Ladson? Two years ago they were as highly touted coming in as Ross and Higgins; now they aren't even on the radar for 2021 playmakers? In my view it is the failure of these two guys to stay on the field and develop, along with a pedestrian OL, that kept us from winning another national championship during the Trevor Lawrence era.
Seriously are Ngata and Ladson officially considered busts at this point? Will we even get one decent year of production from EITHER of them (a la Cornell Powell, who greatly benefitted from guys like Higgins, Ross, Renfrow and Overton no longer being on the team in 2020)?
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All-American [581]
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Re: WR - No mention of Ngata or Ladson??
Jul 9, 2021, 11:25 PM
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Ladson and Ngata have a lot of potential. I love Ladson’s speed/height combo. From the article:
“Joe Ngata and Frank Ladson seemed primed to breakout last year, but injuries slowed them down. Will the breakout come in their junior seasons?”
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National Champion [7563]
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You’re correct - I missed those lines in the story
Jul 10, 2021, 3:39 PM
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Maybe because neither name had a player profile linked like Dacari Collins and Ajou Ajou.
I surely hope that Ladson and Ngata can stay healthy this season and live up to their recruiting hype. They certainly have a QB who can get them the ball. It’s time for both of them to step up and make their mark.
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Ring of Honor [23484]
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1. Safety 2. Safety 3. Safety 4. Safety***
Jul 10, 2021, 9:39 AM
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Orange Blooded [2332]
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Re: 1. Safety 2. Safety 3. Safety 4. Safety***
Jul 10, 2021, 12:20 PM
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I agree. If we stay safe and healthy the rest will take care of itself.
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Paw Master [17093]
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Better blocking would be a good place to start***
Jul 10, 2021, 3:22 PM
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Valley Protector [1427]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 10, 2021, 3:37 PM
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It will come down to the big boys on both sides of the ball, as it always does. It is a pretty simple game and comes down to blocking and tackling. KISS - something that I learned at Clemson that has stuck with me. It was a brilliant CpSc professor that taught it.
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Standout [306]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 11, 2021, 9:02 AM
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I do not understand why they don't move Tyler Venables to the QB room. Kicked butt here at Daniel? Jay
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MVP [523]
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Ajou
Jul 11, 2021, 10:01 AM
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I know he’s raw, but I think he has more potential than any receiver on the team. He really reminds me of Terrell Owens. He could be the X factor this year.
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110%er [3694]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 11, 2021, 10:13 AM
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Trenton Simpson won’t just be an x-factor, he’ll be ACC DPOTY, imo. He’s going to be a sack/TFL/pressure machine.
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Standout [335]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's X-Factors: What will make the difference for a national championship run?
Jul 11, 2021, 11:31 AM
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1. Need a top performance from the OLine (run and pass protection).
2. A reasonably good running game.
3. Injuries at a minimum....just like any other team hopes for. That includes no DJ injury
** Everything else is taken care of
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Replies: 38
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