By Mike Hogewood for theACC.com

This could indeed be the year of the Tiger in the ACC. A pick by almost everyone to win its division and in the top 10 in almost all of the national polls, expectations are as high in Death Valley as they've been in quite some time. Coach Tommy Bowden says the lofty preseason expectations are different than in any of his previous 10 seasons at Clemson. "It's a position I'm not accustomed to and our team's not accustomed to. I'm anxious to see how the players will respond. The bull's-eye is definitely bigger."

Running Back James Davis

On offense, Bowden says he has more talented skill players than at any other time in his coaching career. The quarterback will be fifth-year senior Cullen Harper who is in his second season as the starter. A year ago, Harper threw for a school-record 27 touchdowns and completed over 65 percent of his passes and is the preseason pick as ACC player of the year. Harper says this offense will be as productive as any in the country. "I think we can run the ball as well as anyone in the country and I think we can throw the ball as well as anyone in the country. We've got great skill players and that will make us as productive as anyone."

The Tigers have two great running backs in James Davis and C.J. Spiller. Davis had a change of heart last spring, deciding against turning pro and for staying at Clemson. He has over 3,000 rushing yards in his career and is great between the tackles. Spiller has breakaway speed and has a knack for turning what looks like a short gain into a big play. Another player who decided at the last minute to return to the team and not go pro is wide receiver Aaron Kelly. He had 11 touchdown catches in 2007. Tyler Grisham, a sure-handed possession receiver, is a great complement to Kelly.

The big question mark on offense is up front. Three starters are gone from last season and the replacements will be young. Bowden says it won't be easy to get them ready for the opener against Alabama. "The problem is what are we going to ask those guys to do. You don't want to go into the Alabama game (unprepared) and (make the game) like shooting fish in a barrel. Nick Saban may be the best defensive coach in football and he's had six months to prepare. If we get too simple, we'll back ourselves into a corner. "

Safety Michael Hamlin

There are some questions on Tiger defense as well, particularly at linebacker. There's a lot of talent there but, like the offensive line, most of it is young. Senior tackle Rashaad Jackson tore a tendon in his quad in preseason practice and will be lost for a couple of months. The Tigers not only have to replace his skill, but also his leadership on and off the field. Junior Ricky Sapp is poised to have a breakout season as a pass rusher. The secondary is very solid with four veterans returning. Seniors Michael Hamlin and Chris Clemmons are outstanding safeties.

With Spiller and starting receiver Jacoby Ford returning kicks, Clemson has returners with tremendous speed who are constant scoring threats. Mark Bucholz seemed to wear down a bit last year doing double duty kicking field goals and playing on the soccer team. He needs to improve his field goal percentage.

This preseason is a build-up for the season opener on August 30th against Alabama. Safety Michael Hamlin says the team is looking forward to the national showcase. "It's going to be an exciting game and great exposure for the guys on the team. It's an opportunity to play on national television and to play in the Georgia Dome."

Bowden has been quick to caution that this is not a conference game and that one game does not a season make. He's been joking with reporters in preseason that should Clemson lose, he's got his "Les Miles" speech ready to give to his team. (That's referring to LSU winning the national championship a year ago despite losing early in the season.) Cullen Harper says Clemson is being careful not to put more emphasis on the Alabama game than any other on the schedule. "I take South Carolina State just as serious as I take Alabama. We're not going to overlook anybody."

Games against Atlantic Division opponents that could be the key to making it to the ACC championship game are at Wake Forest on Thursday, October 9th and at Florida State on November 8th.