Expectations are high this season. Again. But this time may be different from previous years when the Tigers failed to live up to the preseason hype. Now we have the talent to go head to head with anyone in the country. This year’s team is loaded with talent which is arguably the best since the Danny Ford era. The Tigers will have elite level talent on both sides of the ball.

But talent alone doesn’t win championships. What will it take this season for the Tigers to return to national prominence and win it’s first ACC championship since 1991? Here’s three key factors that will have to be addressed for the Tigers to prove they are BACK!

3. Offensive Line - It seems like over the past few years this has been a persistent preseason question mark. After losing three starters, including all conference players Barry Richardson and Chris McDuffie this year will be no different. The Tigers should have plenty of talent upfront but very little experience.  How quickly the big men adjust to their new starting roles will go a long way in determining the success of the running attack ensuring that Harper has plenty of time to find the open man. No matter what, look out next year. There are no seniors starting on the offensive line and there are only two seniors on the three deep depth chart. Combine that with the talent that’s being recruited now and we will be looking at a killer line over the next few years.

2. Play Calling - I don’t have as big of a problem with the bubble screen as most fans but Spence does need to mix up the play calling more and take more shots down the field. When used properly, the bubble screen creates a one on one situation and with the speed Clemson has (Spiller, Ford) we’re going to win a lot of those one on one battles. But used repeatedly, the bubble screen draws the coverage in tight and you lose the one on one scenario. If you don’t keep them honest by using deep routes they have no reason not to play the receivers tight at the line of scrimmage.

With the arsenal of weapons available to Spence on the offensive side of the ball their is no excuse for not putting lots of points on the board. Keep the defense off balance and guessing with a balanced attack of runs, bubbble screens, crossing routes and a few deep passes every game. Oh, and let’s see the tight end used a little more.

1. Mental Toughness - In my opinion, this is the single biggest factor in Clemson’s inability to finish over the past 18 years. The Tigers haven’t had the “killer instinct” necessary to win the big games when it matters or when they do pull off the big win it’s followed by a complete let down. I blame this equally on the coaches AND the players. I’ve heard people say it’s the coaches job to motivate the players. I can’t disagree with that, but players must be self motivated as well. How in the world can you not be motivated playing college football at the elite level knowing that every game is a stepping stone to a possible national championship.

When the Tigers can stay focused every time they step on the field and when they develop an attitude that they are going to steamroll any team that gets in their way… that’s when they will bring home an ACC championship and possibly a national championship. It’s all about the “Eye of the Tiger”