The Clemson football team made it into the final Associated Press Top 25 poll. The Tigers are ranked 24th in the poll. They finished the season at 9-5, including a Music City Bowl win against Kentucky. The Tigers also won the ACC Atlantic Division title for the first time in school history.
I think it is safe to say Dabo Swinney’s first full season running the ship at Clemson was a success. The Maryland loss still looks bad and the performance against USC still stings but 9 wins and one defensive stop away from the BCS Orange Bowl in year one isn’t too shabby.
How will Dabo do in year two without Heisman trophy candidate C.J. Spiller and speedy receiver Jacoby Ford? Will Kyle Parker return to play quarterback or turn pro in baseball? How long will Dabo’s season opening press conference last? These are burning questions that we will be kicking around all winter, spring and summer.
Back to the AP poll, Alabama, Texas, Florida, Boise State and Ohio State are the top five teams. Virginia Tech is the highest ranked ACC team at number 10. The SEC has four ranked teams (Bama, Florida, LSU, Ole Miss) and the ACC also has four ranked teams (V.T., Georgia Tech, Miami and Clemson).
Clemson didn’t make the top 25 in the final Coaches Poll.
