Herbstreit: "Clemson is the team to beat"

---

Even though the Playoff Committee announced Alabama as the number one team on Tuesday night, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit disagrees they are the team that has the best chance to win the national championship.

Herbstreit, appearing on ESPN's College Football Top 25 announcement show, said Clemson is his pick.

"I still think they are the team to beat. With as much as I love Alabama's potential I still think Deshaun Watson and that defense from Clemson are the real deal," Herbstreit said. "I don't think anybody is going to be able to beat Clemson including the ACC Championship game."

Herbstreit thinks the Tigers will turn it up a notch in November even though they have had some close calls this season.

"I think Clemson is the team to beat in the Playoff. I think they are the team. I felt that way at the beginning of the year. I know they had some games where they turned it over. There have been some times when they seem like they don't quite have the urgency. I think now that they are in the month of November. I think there is a different intensity about them and when they play their best on both sides of the ball I think they are going to be a tough out for Alabama or whoever else they end up playing."

Send Feedback to Tony Crumpton: Email | Comment

Trending on TigerNet

Former Clemson head coach passes away

Clemson veteran earns another ACC player of the week honor

ESPN's spring overreactions on Clemson, Georgia, ACC

Tigers move up in D1Baseball Top 25