With all the talk of best ever I’m not sure how one would measure it. I certainly agree with the idea that Clemson accomplished things no other team has, none more impressive than schlacking the #3 and #1 teams in the playoffs 74-19. In the distant future when some non-Clemson team goes 15-0 we will be able to use that domination as a measuring stick.
But, given my inability to be a mindless homer, I can’t help but think about the early 2000s Miami Hurricanes. The talent they had was dumb. Like really dumb. Frank Gore- who has rushed for almost 15,000 yards in the NFL- was 4th on the depth chart behind Najeh Davenport, Willis McGahee, and Clinton Portis.
I could go on about the immense talent those Hurricane teams had. And just to drive the point home, we’re talking NFL HOF talent. The 2001 alone team will end up with at least 5, possibly 6, HOF players- guys like Ed Reed and Andre Johnson.
They beat up everybody with the exception of BC(in the cold) and the Micheal Vick led Hokies. They pounded FSU at Doak, and finished the year by beating four staight ranked opponents including Nebraska by 23.
What they lacked was great coaching. Larry Coker was a figure head at best. We know this because he’s a National Championship coach nobody wants to lead there program. Kinda sad really.
So eventhough I believe those Miami teams might be the most talented ever, I think Clemson wins because of Dabo, and Tony, and Brent, and Jeff, and all the people in the football building who work to make it the best in the country.
(For you FSU lurkers who want to mention that great 2013 Noles team, I see you and I hear you. But if you think y’all could handle the Power Rangers, you’re wrong. And you certainly never faced an offense like this. Yes you faced Sammy and Deandre, but our OLine is waaaaaaay better now, better at QB(no disrespect to TB), better and deeper at RB, better coaching, etc.)