By: JJ Lanier

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

Prior to the 2015 college football season, you could argue the perception of Clemson Tigers achievements was more hyperbole than anything.

Despite a raucous fan base, a fantastic tradition and reputation for being a big-time program they had only one Top 5 finish in school history; their championship season of 1981.

After three straights playoff appearances, two championship games and another National Championship the Tigers are finally cashing the checks their fans and reputation have been writing; and things don’t look to be slowing down.

Behind Alabama, Clemson has become one of the premier programs within college football. Last season, one that was considered to be somewhat of a rebuilding year, resulted in a 10-1 regular season record, an ACC Championship title and that third straight playoff appearance that I mentioned.

If you’re waiting for trend to be broken, don’t get your hopes up it will take place this season.

Clemson will be one of the deepest and most talented teams entering the 2018 campaign.

Normally people look at the offensive side of the ball in the same my wife looks at Chris Hemsworth when he’s shirtless in any Thor movie. In this particular case it’s Clemson’s defense that give football fans the googly eyes.

Usually, when people debate about whether or not a college team could actually compete with a professional one it’s completely ridiculous. It’s no so farfetched if you focus in on strictly Clemson’s defensive line.

The Tigers had three defensive linemen on last year’s squad- Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant-that would have been high draft picks had they entered the 2018 NFL Draft; none of them did. When you hear analysts talk about Clemson having an NFL defensive front, and trust me you will, it won’t be an exaggeration.

Include some of the returning players they have at linebacker and in the secondary and you’re looking at possibly the nation’s best defense.

Even if the Tigers defensive side of the ball is the stronger of the two, their offense won’t be any slouch, either. Kelly Bryant, who exceeded expectations last year, returns at quarterback, along with Trevor Lawrence who will almost certainly see time under center.

Much like Georgia’s situation with Fromm and Fields, it will be difficult for the Tigers to keep both of their young quarterbacks off the field.

Clemson also returns it’s top three running backs and a deep receiving core, including Hunter Renfrow, college’s version of Cris Carter; all he does is catch touchdowns.

Clemson’s schedule sets up nicely for a championship run, too. There’s always a chance for a slip-up against an inferior team but if they are able to avoid the bump in the road, their two biggest games will be back to back against NC State and Florida State, respectively.

The Wolfpack, a team that has caused the Tigers issues in the past, visit Death Valley, while Clemson travels to Tallahassee.

Top to bottom, Clemson may be the most complete team in the country and that’s including Alabama. Barring any major injury, or a widespread case of complacency, Clemson is almost a sure bet to make it to their fourth straight playoff appearance.

It’s taken decades for the production on the field to match the high expectations. Now that Clemson has finally arrived, I wouldn’t be looking for them to relinquish that elite status anytime soon. They certainly don’t seem to be slowing down.