8/31/2018 football Edit

Ask Farrell: Should Clemson be the preseason favorite to win it all?

Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell

Rivals.com

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Clemson has one of the best defensive lines possibly in college football history returning this season and all four are legitimate first-round NFL Draft picks after this season as Clelin Ferrell, Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins and Austin Bryant lead the way up front.

The back seven is not too shabby, either. Linebackers Tre Lamar and Kendall Joseph are outstanding, Isaiah Simmons is someone who could emerge and have star potential this season and then the secondary has some depth issues but there is plenty of talent.

Then there is the offense. Quarterback Kelly Bryant threw for 13 scores and ran for 11 more and took the Tigers back to the College Football Playoff but he’s been fighting for his life against No. 1 prospect in the 2018 class, Trevor Lawrence.

The running backs are stocked and Clemson has a nice mix of reliable veteran Hunter Renfrow and a bevy of young, up-and-coming receivers to push the ball down the field quickly.

It’s hard to bet against Alabama as the No. 1 favorite in The Associated Press preseason poll -- the Crimson Tide have held that honor three-straight years - but does any team in the country have a better argument for being front-runners for the national championship than Clemson?

In this feature on Rivals.com, we ask National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell to weigh in on the topic and give his opinion on whether Clemson should be the preseason favorite to win it all.

FARRELL'S TAKE

“The roster talent at Clemson is impressive and I’ve never seen a defensive line with four potential first-rounders before, but it’s hard to say they should be favored ahead of Alabama.

"Why? The Crimson Tide roster is loaded as well with two elite running backs, a great offensive line and young, talented wide receivers. On defense Alabama is young and may not have the edge over Clemson, but every position has a four- or five-star it seems and the depth is there.

"Two years ago I picked Clemson to win it all and I’m still bragging about that prediction, but this year I am picking ‘Bama to repeat. I don’t care who the quarterback is, although Tua Tagovailoa is a much better passer than Jalen Hurts, it will be hard to beat ‘Bama.

"The only advantage Clemson has? The TIgers play in a much weaker conference and division and could easily run the table while Alabama has to deal with Auburn and others. But betting against Alabama would be foolish.”