The Clemson Tigers came up just short of claiming the national championship last season, a title that ultimately went to the Alabama Crimson Tide. This season, Clemson was once again expected to be one of the top contenders in the nation.
However, after back-to-back lackluster performances, the Tigers have fallen from No. 2 to No. 5 in the AP Top 25 Poll.
That hasn’t caused ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit to cool on his belief in the Tigers, though. In fact, Herbstreit is standing by his pick of Clemson claiming the national title this year.
Herbstreit stood by that pick in a series of Twitter messages on Tuesday.
Yes. Providing they start playing with a chip on their shoulders https://t.co/JhVs0vRh89
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 12, 2016
Herbstreit believes Clemson’s biggest issue is that they are simply going through the motions.
Sleepwalking. Have lost their edge so far. Maybe dropping in rankings will wake them up. Just not sharp. https://t.co/Mw7HbH4YTq
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 12, 2016
Been saying same thing in air last 2 weeks. Too many compliments can be VERY dangerous in CFB. https://t.co/8mNNkZGVRH
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 12, 2016
This week, Clemson faces off against South Carolina State.
If they once again struggle to get the offense firing on all cylinders, then there could be cause for concern in Tiger land. But it’s hard to imagine that scenario playing out, especially with star quarterback Deshaun Watson ready to refocus his energy moving forward.
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Photo Credit: Kirk Herbstreit, Twitter
