Welcome to Glass Slipper! There’s nothing quite like watching a Kenny Pickett Brotherly Shove in a preseason game. Perhaps we’re llucky enough to get another one tonight; please enjoy the show.

- Jacob Rhee

A couple of weeks ago, I informed you guys that there were exactly 11 teams capable of winning this year’s national championship. In the short time that remains between now and the true start of the college football season on August 31, I will be individually previewing each of those contenders. We’ll begin with the #11 team in the Glass Slipper rankings, Clemson.

Offense

I could talk all day about how happy I am for senior running back Phil Mafah, who finally has the spotlight to himself after Will Shipley stole touches from him for three consecutive years. Remember that legendary Joseph Randle quote from 2015?

That’s how I always felt about Shipley. He delivered star production, but it was a different story when you actually watched him play. On just about every touch, it felt like he could’ve gotten two more yards than he did. Mafah is the antithesis; he’s a 230-pound thumper that seeks contact and finishes runs. From a tone-setting standpoint alone, I think Clemson will benefit from Shipley’s exit.

But we don’t have to dance around it any longer. The success of this offense depends on Cade Klubnik, the second-best quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class. If his breakout doesn’t materialize, there’s no one to blame but himself. Not only will Klubnik be sharing a backfield with the potential Doak Walker Award winner, but he also has a pair of former four-star wide receivers at his disposal. Jake Briningstool is an elite tight end, the offensive line is experienced, and Dabo Swinney literally hand-picked Garrett Riley in an effort to help unlock Klubnik. There is not a single excuse in existence here.

Defense

It’s the defense that ultimately pushed the Tigers onto my list of 11 contenders. Things are kind of young in the secondary, but this has a chance to be the best front seven in America.

It’s a really cool combination of youth and seniority in the trenches, and this linebacker unit is unbelievable. My two favorite college players ever are James Laurinaitis and AJ Hawk; I obviously possess a personal soft spot for the position. Clemson is going to have Barrett Carter, Wade Woodaz, and Kobe McCloud flying around, with five-star true freshman Sammy Brown rotating in. That’s the kind of quartet that I - and every meaty defensive coach in the country - dream about.

Season Outlook

Pre-Bowl Record Prediction: 10-3

Selection Sunday Fan Mood: Everyone be quiet. Turn the volume all the way up. Should we link arms? Let’s link arms, like those college basketball bench guys do while they watch their teammate shoot a free throw at the end of a March Madness game. Maybe that’ll bring us some good luck. We sure need it. Please say our name, Rece. Please.

Pressroom

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“Before You Walk Out of My Life” by Monica. A quarantine favorite.