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2021 College Football Playoff predictions: Can Alabama repeat as national champions?

By Rob Wolkenbrod

College Football Playoff. (Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
College Football Playoff. (Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Dabo Swinney, Clemson Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dabo Swinney, Clemson Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Clemson

Losing Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne to the NFL naturally makes anyone pause at the 2021 Clemson group. How do you replace two centerpieces of championship-caliber teams, especially a generational quarterback?

The questions aren’t answered yet. DJ Uiagalelei is very good, but he has a small body of work from Lawrence’s missed time due to COVID-19 last season. Yet, one of those games was a comeback against Notre Dame that, actually, arguably proved a lot. If Uiagalelei is that same quarterback, the Tigers’ offense will not miss a beat. Dabo Swinney is probably already smiling at this notion for anyone questioning the next leader of the offense.

The young starter has ample options to throw to, as well, all of which are future NFL talents like Justyn Ross and Braden Galloway. A good offensive line in front of him will also help and open holes for a running game trying to establish itself.

Many of Clemson’s defensive starters are back for more, adding experience to a group that could be elite. Nolan Turner and Lannden Zanders in the secondary will come in handy for Georgia and College Football Playoff teams, while the front seven should be fierce in dominating the line of scrimmage. So there are no notable issues here.

The test is early against Georgia. Clemson is the more talented and reliable group, but Kirby Smart isn’t leading a mediocre bunch in Athens. An early loss would set the Tigers back and keep them on their toes for the rest of the season, but the rest of their ACC schedule is laughable, missing out on both UNC and Miami. A late November non-conference game against South Carolina is just to say they didn’t play Citadel. There is no reason this team should lose another game, win or lose in Week 1.

Plus, Clemson strategically scheduled the Georgia game early enough to where a September blemish won’t tarnish their College Football Playoff resume. It’s the old “What have you done for me lately?”

So, once again, welcome to the party, Clemson.