Clemson Tigers
2001 record: 7-5 (4-4)
Coach: Tommy Bowden (Fourth season, 24-14)
Starters returning: 4 offense, 8 defense, 2 kickers

Outlook: The Tigers couldn't do much last season with Woodrow Dantzler. Now we'll see what they can do without him.

After becoming the first Division I quarterback to throw for 2,000 yards and run for 1,000 in the same season, Dantzler left for an uncertain NFL future at tailback. Clemson is left with an uncertain ACC future with his longtime backup, Willie Simmons, becoming the starter. Simmons is a pure passer who seemed to lose his touch last season.

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	Clemson Tigers
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	Florida State Seminoles
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	Maryland Terrapins
	North Carolina Tar Heels
	NC State Wolfpack
	Virginia Cavaliers
	Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Still, with 34 of 44 players back from last season's two-deep roster for the Humanitarian Bowl, Clemson could improve even with a drop-off at quarterback. Eight defensive starters are back, with tackle Nick Eason and safety Altroy Bodrick healthy again.

Key game: If Clemson is going to be a real power in the ACC this season, and not merely a middle-of-the-road bunch picking off victories against weaker teams, it will win at home against Georgia Tech on Sept. 14. That's the third game of the season for both teams, and new quarterbacks on both sides ought to be broken in by then.

Keep an eye on: Last season was supposed to be the breakout year for receiver Kevin Youngblood, but all that got broken was his leg, and he missed the season. Now the 6-5 speedster is back, and could become a household name around the ACC if quarterback Willie Simmons can deliver the ball.

It's a good year if. . .: The Tigers rise above the muck in the middle of the ACC and finish in the upper third of the conference. Football standards are high in Clemson, and rightfully so considering its commitment to the sport, and another mediocre season like 2001 won't leave fans happy.

Gregg Doyel covers the ACC for the Charlotte Observer.