Who will replace Deshaun?

football, american

Photo credit: Pexels

*Scroll down for the full 2017 Clemson football schedule.*

Before we get into all the predictions and excitement of the upcoming season following the Tigers’ 2016 National Championship, just know we haven’t forgotten about our other Upstate universities’ sports teams (we’re looking at you, Furman + Wofford).

Since there is way too much to tackle all at once – pun intendedbe on the lookout for a newsletter alllll about the University of South Carolina Gamecocks from COLAtoday on Monday + updates on all the regions team in the coming weeks.

The Clemson football 2017 season opens on September 2 with a game against Kent State followed by a home game against Auburn (Sept. 9) and away games against Louisville (Sept. 16) and Virginia Tech (Sept. 30) – all in the first month.

So the question is: How will the Tigers make this one a winning season without Watson, Williams, Gallman, Scott and Boulware?

Clemson football lost some key senior Tigers after the winning 2016 season...but the team brought back a lot of talent and two new coaches to accompany Dabo Swinney this season: defensive line coach Todd Bates and safeties coach Mickey Conn. Plus Hunter Renfrow (who made the championship-winning catch against Alabama) will have an even bigger role on the team.

But let’s be real. All of the attention will be on whoever replaces Deshaun Watson, who was recently named ACC Male Athlete of the Year, as QB (obviously) but right now that is a competition in itself. Junior Kelly Bryant, redshirt freshman Zerrick Cooper and freshman Hunter Johnson are all battling for the position.

The Tigers defense has a new leader and a new name. Junior Christian Wilkins will lead the team (+ he is predicted to be the 2017 season Clemson MVP by Bleacher Report), along with freshman Dexter Lawrence, Clelin Ferrell, and the rest of the defensive team.

🏈 Games to watch:

Clemson at Virginia Tech on September 30

Clemson at NC State on November 4

Clemson vs Florida State on November 11

Clemson at University of South Carolina on November 25

Full schedule here:
08/20 Fan Day TBA

09/02 Kent State 12:00 PM ESPN

09/09 Auburn 7:00 PM ESPN

09/16 @Louisville 3:30 PM ABC, ESPN or ESPN2

09/23 Boston College TBA

09/30 @Virginia Tech TBA

10/07 Wake Forest TBA

10/13 @Syracuse 7:00 PM ESPN

10/28 Georgia Tech TBA

11/04 @NC State TBA

11/11 Florida State TBA

11/18 The Citadel TBA

11/25 @South Carolina TBA

Read more: http://www.tigernet.com/clemson-football-schedule#ixzz4oWpa0Eat

More from GVLtoday
This is the ultimate “what if,” and it’s all in good fun. Which side of Main Street would you choose?
This is a new dining experience from the Papi’s Tacos team.
We sat down with the “Top Chef” team to find out what moments they loved most when filming this season in Greenville.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting women in Greenville making history through their work happening right now.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Sponsored
A 17-room concept at 101 College St. blends historic charm with Art Nouveau design — plus a rooftop bar, restaurant, and speakeasy-style club.
The Bassmaster Classic hooks another return to Lake Hartwell — and a major economic catch for Greenville.
The annual food and wine festival features events similar to the main euphoria festival, which will take place Sept. 19-22. Proceeds from euphoria events support local nonprofits that fight food insecurity in Greenville.