Kirk Herbstreit Defends College Football Coach 'Everybody's Making Fun of'

The Clemson Tigers football program has been quietly flying under the radar this offseason, with most of the attention in the ACC focused on defending champion Florida State and a revamped Miami squad.

But according to ESPN College GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit, it’s a mistake to overlook Dabo Swinney and the Tigers.

During College GameDay on Saturday, August 24, Herbstreit sent a warning to college football fans that Clemson is not to be forgotten. Despite their 4-4 finish in ACC play last year, Herbstreit expects the Tigers to bounce back strong and compete for the ACC title in 2024.

“Clemson, to me, is a team you better look out for,” Herbstreit said. “Everybody’s making fun of Dabo. Everybody’s talking about how he’s not doing the portal. Everybody’s talking about how he’s being left behind."

Herbstreit believes Clemson's defense, per usual, will be a major strength, helping them stay competitive in every game. With quarterback Cade Klubnik, who has another year in the system, paired with improved skill at the wide receiver position, Clemson has the potential to make a run.

“His defense will be good and keep them in every game they play. His quarterback now has a lot of experience. They’ve got skill and they’re better at receiver,” Herbstreit added.

Clemson won its final four games last season, giving them a 9-4 record in 2023, and is aiming to carry that momentum into 2024. If Klubnik can make strides and his supporting cast steps up, don’t be surprised to see the Tigers back in the mix for the College Football Playoff.

“Clemson, I think, is a very dangerous team,” Herbstreit said.

We'll find out just how dangerous Clemson is on August 31 when the Tigers matchup against the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs.

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