By: Kenneth Harrison Jr.

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

After the first few weeks of the college football season some questions have already been answered. We’re beginning to separate the contenders from the pretenders. One of the teams that has surprised me is Clemson. I think the Tigers might be the best team in the nation.

We’re aware that they’ve played against Alabama in the national championship game the previous two years. They came very close in 2015 but they found redemption and won it all in 2016.

They had several stars depart after that, most noticeably quarterback Deshaun Watson. He’s the best QB in program history and he was dangerous with his running ability as well. Watson was drafted 12^th overall in the NFL Draft.

Wayne Gallman, Artavis Scott and Mike Williams also declared for the draft after the 2016 season.

Head coach Dabo Swinney has done an excellent job recruiting in the last 4-5 years. Now there a program that doesn’t have to rebuild, they reload. They have become known as wide receiver U or defensive lineman U with all of the notable NFL talent they’ve produced.

Kelly Bryant has done a great job replacing Watson so far. He’s faster so he’s a more explosive runner. He’s also an accurate passer, completing 69% of his attempts.

The defense also looks like one of the best units in the country. They had 11 sacks against No. 13 Auburn and defensive end Austin Bryant had four.

“They’ve got a good edge to them. And I think we’ve got the type of depth that as a coach, you just dream about having,” Swinney said. “I think we’ve got some guys that are paying attention to details, guys that are taking pride in preparation, because that’s what it always comes down to is how you prepare. I like our team. I like the makeup of it. Just enough leadership and experience to go with the youth and energy and hunger from these young guys.”

They beat No. 14 Louisville 47-21 on the road. That’s very impressive considering the Cardinals have Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson.

On paper, the remaining schedule seems to be fairly easy.

Clemson is on the road against No. 13 Virginia Tech. This game could be tough because it’s in Blacksburg and the Hokies have a good defense. The Hokies have a freshman quarterback and I think he’ll be overwhelmed by Clemson’s team speed.

The only other game against a ranked opponent is November 11 at home against No. 12 Florida State. QB Deondre Francois was hurt in the season opener against Alabama and he’s out for the rest of the season. This should be a very easy win for the Tigers.

They’ll have to guard against complacency and not overlook any opponents because they will be favored to win all of their games. Just look at last year when they lost at home to 6-4 Pitt. They also should have lost to NC State in 2016.

In college football there’s no such thing as a sure thing but I expect to see Clemson back in the College Football Playoff.