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CBS Sports names Clemson a National Championship contender based off their Blue-Chip Ratio

CBS Sports Boldly Crowns Clemson as 2024 National Champions in Way-Too-Early Predictions

In a landscape of college football where uncertainty reigns supreme, especially with the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams, CBS Sports has thrown down the gauntlet with a provocative prediction: the Clemson Tigers will reclaim their throne as national champions in 2024. This declaration, part of CBS Sports' annual way-too-early top 25 rankings and playoff projections, positions Dabo Swinney's squad not just as contenders but as the ultimate victors, edging out a field of heavyweights in what promises to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. The prediction underscores a resurgence narrative for Clemson, a program that has dominated the ACC but stumbled in recent years against the elite of the SEC and Big Ten.

At the heart of this optimistic forecast is Clemson's storied history under Swinney, who has transformed the Tigers into a perennial powerhouse since taking the helm in 2008. With two national titles already under his belt—in 2016 and 2018—Swinney has built a culture of excellence, emphasizing recruiting, player development, and a relentless work ethic. CBS Sports analysts point to this foundation as the bedrock for a 2024 turnaround. After a disappointing 9-4 finish in 2023, marked by uncharacteristic losses and offensive struggles, the Tigers are poised for redemption. The prediction hinges on several key factors: a revamped offense, a stout defense, and the intangibles that have defined Clemson's success in the past.

Leading the charge offensively is quarterback Cade Klubnik, who enters his junior year with high expectations. In 2023, Klubnik showed flashes of brilliance but was hampered by inconsistency and a lack of reliable weapons. CBS Sports highlights his growth potential, noting that with another offseason of refinement under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, Klubnik could evolve into a Heisman contender. Riley, brother of USC's Lincoln Riley, brought a modern, up-tempo scheme to Clemson last year, but execution faltered. Now, with returning talent and new additions, the offense is expected to click. Running back Phil Mafah, who rushed for over 900 yards last season, provides a bruising ground game, while wide receivers like Tyler Brown and Antonio Williams add speed and playmaking ability. The prediction envisions this unit averaging over 35 points per game, a marked improvement from 2023's 29.8.

Defensively, Clemson remains a force to be reckoned with, a unit that has consistently ranked among the nation's best. Led by All-American candidates like linebacker Barrett Carter and defensive end T.J. Parker, the Tigers' front seven is projected to be disruptive and dominant. CBS Sports praises the depth in the secondary, with cornerbacks Avieon Terrell and Khalil Barnes stepping up to fill voids left by departures. This defense, which allowed just 21.1 points per game in 2023, is seen as the anchor that will carry Clemson through tough matchups. Analysts draw parallels to the 2018 championship team, which boasted a similarly elite defense that suffocated opponents en route to a perfect season.

The path to the title, as outlined by CBS Sports, is fraught with challenges but navigable for a team of Clemson's caliber. In their projected playoff bracket, the Tigers secure the ACC championship with an undefeated conference record, earning a first-round bye as one of the top four seeds. This sets up a quarterfinal clash against a formidable opponent, potentially Ohio State or Texas, both of whom are ranked highly in the preseason polls. CBS envisions Clemson advancing through the bracket with gritty wins, leveraging home-field advantages in the early rounds and Swinney's playoff experience. The semifinals pit them against Georgia, the SEC powerhouse and two-time defending champions under Kirby Smart. In a hypothetical rematch of epic proportions, Clemson's speed and athleticism are predicted to neutralize Georgia's physicality, leading to a narrow victory.

The national championship game, per CBS, would feature Clemson against Oregon, the Big Ten newcomer led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel and a high-octane offense. This matchup is painted as a clash of styles: Clemson's balanced, defense-first approach versus Oregon's explosive, pass-heavy attack. Analysts at CBS Sports tip the scales in Clemson's favor due to Swinney's track record in big games and the Tigers' ability to adapt. They cite Clemson's 2018 title win over Alabama as a blueprint, where preparation and execution trumped raw talent. The prediction culminates in a 31-27 Clemson victory, with Klubnik throwing for three touchdowns and the defense sealing the win with a late interception.

This bold call isn't without its skeptics. Critics argue that Clemson's recent slide—missing the playoff in three straight years—signals deeper issues, such as Swinney's reluctance to embrace the transfer portal and NIL deals. While programs like Georgia and Michigan have loaded up on transfers, Clemson has stuck to its high school recruiting model, which has yielded blue-chip talents but left gaps in experience. CBS Sports counters this by emphasizing the loyalty and development within the program, suggesting that homegrown stars like Klubnik and Carter embody the "Clemson way" that has proven successful before. Moreover, the expanded playoff format plays to Clemson's strengths, offering more opportunities for at-large bids and redemption arcs.

Broader context adds layers to this prediction. College football is in flux with conference realignments shaking up the power structure. The ACC, Clemson's home, faces questions about its viability amid lawsuits and potential defections, but a national title would solidify its status. Meanwhile, the SEC's dominance, with teams like Georgia, Alabama (now under new coach Kalen DeBoer), and Texas, looms large. CBS Sports acknowledges these threats but sees Clemson as the dark horse capable of disrupting the narrative. They draw on historical precedents, like LSU's improbable 2019 run or Clemson's own 2016 upset of Alabama, to justify their faith.

Swinney himself has fueled this optimism with offseason comments emphasizing a return to fundamentals. "We're not rebuilding; we're reloading," he said in a recent press conference, echoing the confidence that has defined his tenure. Recruiting has been a bright spot, with the 2024 class ranked in the top 10 nationally, featuring standouts like five-star linebacker Sammy Brown and offensive lineman Elyjah Thurmon. These freshmen are expected to contribute immediately, bolstering depth and injecting fresh energy.

Beyond the on-field analysis, CBS Sports delves into the cultural and motivational aspects driving Clemson. The program's "all-in" mantra, born from Swinney's faith-based leadership, fosters a tight-knit team dynamic that's hard to quantify but evident in clutch performances. After the 2023 Orange Bowl loss to Tennessee, players like Mafah and Carter have spoken about unfinished business, channeling frustration into fuel for 2024. This intangible edge, combined with tangible improvements in scheme and personnel, forms the crux of CBS's championship projection.

In wrapping up their analysis, CBS Sports positions this prediction as more than just speculation—it's a statement on the cyclical nature of college football. Dynasties rise and fall, but programs like Clemson, with proven blueprints, are never truly out. If the Tigers do hoist the trophy in January 2025, it would mark Swinney's third title, placing him among legends like Nick Saban and Bear Bryant. For now, it's a way-too-early dream, but one that has ignited debate and excitement across the sport.

This forecast serves as a reminder that in college football, bold predictions often become reality. As training camps approach and the season draws near, all eyes will be on Clemson to see if they can turn prophecy into triumph. Whether they succeed or not, CBS Sports has set the stage for what could be a defining chapter in the Tigers' legacy. (Word count: 1,048)

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