19 LSU is better than 18 Bama. How does 19 Clemson compare to 18 Clemson?

18 Clemson on defense was filthy. They were able to generate serious QB pressure without blitzing. 19 Clemson cannot do that. That is the major difference in the two.

19 LSU May be better than any team I’ve ever seen.

19 Clemson QB > 18 Clemson QB:

I think we can assume one year of experience has made Lawrence a better player.

19 Clemson RB > 18 Clemson RB:

Same as above for Etienne.

19 Clemson WR > 18 Clemson WR:

Higgins, Rodgers, and Ross back and a year older and better

19 Clemson OLine = 18 Clemson OLine

Lost two starters but replacements have proved capable.

18 Clemson DLine >> 19 Clemson Dline

Biggest change. Lost a bunch of first rounders

19 Clemson LBs = 18 Clemson LBs

Simmons back. Skalski and Smith solid.

19 Clemson DBs = 18 Clemson DBs

Lost Trayvon Mullen but still have AJ Terrell and Derion Kendrick has proved capable.

So in summation Clemson is likely a little better on offense but worse on defense mainly due to the loss of several key DLineman.

19 LSU is better than 18 Bama.

19 Clemson is not as good as 18 Clemson.

quote:

---

19 LSU May be better than any team I’ve ever seen.

---

I’ve been following college football for over 20 years, and I can say without exaggeration or hyperbole that this LSU team may be the best I’ve ever seen. Not sure if I’d ever see a team as good as 2001 Miami. I just missed seeing 1995 Nebraska, so I’ll have to defer to other’s opinions on that. 2004 USC is also in the mix, but since their title isn’t official anymore...

Earlier in the year, that wasn’t the case. But the SECCG and Peach Bowl are starting to make me feel more confident in this belief. A big reason is that I think the entire country has been waiting for a great team to “figure out” LSU and make them look human. But it just hasn’t happened. You could argue that Auburn did, but my response would be that this isn’t even the same team that played Auburn. They’re even better now. And Auburn didn’t even slow down LSU as much as they just forced them to adjust a bit.

If LSU does manage to make the NCG a runaway win, I think this team deserves serious consideration for GOAT.

I agree with most of this in regards to Clemson. The 18 Dline was probably one of the top 5 ever in CFB. The 19 line while talented is young and is probably a year away from being a great D line. We(Clemson) probably wont ever see a D line like 18 again. Those kids were just insanely good.

I also don't believe 18 Clemson beats 18 Bama most of the time. That game was fluky from the start. Tua threw a pick 6 a minute into the game. He also threw a pick from just throwing a luck it straight into double coverage, which resulted in another touchdown. Bama was forced to go for it deep in Clemson territory twice on 4th, when they otherwise would have had field goals. Not saying they would have won, but that final score didn't represent the game. Clemson just had some really lucky plays go their way, mostly on pass plays. Bama had a couple more first downs, more time of possession, and almost as many yards.

It's almost amazing what a year can make. Bama beat Clemson pretty handily the year before. They won 24-6, and neither team looked very good on offense.