Don't get it?

[hiltonhead]

Why is everyone in the media so sure Clemson is going to step back? We were by far the youngest team competing in the final four. The other three have senior laden rosters and if Mac Jones leaves Alabama all will have unproven QB's staring next year. DJ has the most experience and proven that there will be little to no drop off at the position for us. Especially if he gets the RPO down like Trevor. By the way if you recall Trevor was not as good at it during his freshmen year. A lot to look forward to next year!! If I had one complaint it would be that we have lost a lot of a size along both lines of scrimmage over the past few years. Would really like to see some guys put a little beef on over the offseason. OSU and Alabama at least on the Oline are bigger.

[Ken]

This narrative is the best way for them to hurt Dabo. Once the media reports then the other coaches can reference it as fact when recruiting against us. Why you ask? Because they can’t control Dabo it makes him a danger to them as controlling the narrative is all they have given there is not enough actual sports news to keep them all employed

[SSMITH2554]

Originally Posted by clemsson

This narrative is the best way for them to hurt Dabo. Once the media reports then the other coaches can reference it as fact when recruiting against us. Why you ask? Because they can’t control Dabo it makes him a danger to them as controlling the narrative is all they have given there is not enough actual sports news to keep them all employed

Well they really cannot control Saban either. Just sayin...

To answer the original question - IMO it's because very few programs have been able to sustain success. Bama, FSU (until a few yrs ago), Oklahoma (somewhat). We have definitely done well in recruiting but Bama, OSU, and UGA are a few teams that have done really well. ESPN is gonna push SEC. Clemson is in the lil (disrespected) ACC. We were very good the last 2 years but we were not dominant. With all of that said, I still hear that it's Bama, OSU, Clemson and then all the rest.

Also, Dabo appears openly conservative in his views and we all know that that is low hanging fruit for the media these days.

[tigerphins]

It’s just their way to drum up hits & discussion points. They did the same with Bama & Saban after we throttled them, and then again after last year’s non Playoff season.
Our defense should be better next year; the offensive line might be better by year’s end; and the receivers could be improved if everyone stays healthy. I think it’ll help the ground game to have those bodies at WR that defenses will have to pay more attention to and thus won’t be able to gameplan as much against the run. We take a hit by losing Etienne, but the actual RB production & efficiency may improve just by having a better O-line and Ross, Ngata, and Ladson on the field.

[Tiggershark]

Remember last years narrative? LSU is back baby. Top 5 preseason. They didn't even look at how many players and coaches were not going to be there.

Move forward to this year. Clemson is on their way out. Did they look at how we have recruited the past few years? Did they look at all the true freshman and sophomores that were starters, not to mention in the 2 deep. Did they even care to pay attention to all the injuries Clemson had this year?

[Robert Thorne MacRae]

I've discussed this with Will several times. Clemson is not in the SEC so we know how that bias works. It took Clemson a long time to build up the respect they got, which still wasn't what they deserved. Getting whipped in back to back playoffs will hurt the national reputation for Clemson in many in the media and they will sell that perception. Unfortunately when the sell that perception becomes reality to some.

Clemson winning the ACC won't guarantee a trip to the CFP like it has the last few years. It will depend on other things as well.

The Georgia game is critical next season. If Clemson loses that and then runs the table and wins the ACC there will be no guaranteed spot in the CFP. It will depend on how other things fall.

I don't like it and don't agree with those spouting some of the nonsense, but believe that is what it will be now.

[Joe21]

We got an inkling of what DJ can do under fire in the Notre Dame game. Notre Dame knew DJ didn't have the running ability of Lawrence and was limited to his passing game. And what did he do? Threw for over 400 yards even with most of our WRs not playing. Having started two games, this was more indicative of his true potential than had it occurred during "mop-up" duty. Surely this was a confidence booster for DJ. Spring practice should result in further development of the mental and physical demands which he will face.

Another important factor will be his leadership qualities on the field. I believe he has that ability to command respect which would result in the entire team playing at a higher level.

Any idea by outsiders that Clemson is "going away" is probably based on their personal wishes rather than facts.