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College football 2018: Biggest X-factor on every Top 25 team

By Derek Grochowski

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Miles Sanders (24) of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs for a gain in the game between the Washington Huskies and the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 30, 2017 at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Miles Sanders (24) of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs for a gain in the game between the Washington Huskies and the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 30, 2017 at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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SYRACUSE, NY – OCTOBER 13: Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers runs towards the line during the game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome on October 13, 2017 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeats Clemson 27-24. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY – OCTOBER 13: Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers runs towards the line during the game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome on October 13, 2017 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeats Clemson 27-24. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

1. Dexter Lawrence, Clemson Tigers

Clemson was able to shake off a tough loss to Syracuse early in the season to make it into the College Football Playoff once again setting up a matchup with Alabama. The Tigers were on the wrong side of that matchup as Alabama would go on to win the National Championship. The good news for Clemson is they are set up to be good again and push for the Playoffs.

A lot of the focus will be on the quarterback position. Will Dabo Sweeney go back to Kelly Bryant or will he turn the keys over to true freshman Trevor Lawrence? But the true difference maker for this team will be defensive tackle, Dexter Lawrence.

At this point in his college career, Lawrence is not a new name, he has already made a major impact at Clemson over the past few seasons. Some have him positioned as a top-five draft pick before this season even starts. If Clemson can repeat their recent seasons it would not be surprising to see Lawrence climb into the top five.

Lawrence will need to live up to the hype if Clemson wants more postseason glory. He will be the key to their pass rush that has been so effective in years past. Lawrence is surrounded by a lot of talent in that front seven.

Last year he may have even been overshadowed by Christian Wilkins and Austin Bryant on the defensive line but this is his breakout opportunity. If Lawrence can continue to raise his game he will be the reason Clemson is playing for the National Championship this season.

Next. Every Top 25 team's breakout candidate. dark