Clemson 14th in Preseason USA Today Poll

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson is ranked 14^th in the preseason USA Today College football poll.  It is the second highest preseason ranking for the Clemson program since 1988.  The Tigers were ranked ninth in the preseason AP and USA Today polls prior to the 2008 season.

This is just the fifth time since 1998 that Clemson has been ranked in the preseason of either the AP or USA Today preseason polls.  Clemson was fourth in 1988 in both polls, the last time Clemson had a top five preseason ranking.

There are four teams on Clemson’s schedule that are ranked in the top 25 by USA Today.  The others are Florida State (7), South Carolina (9), Virginia Tech (20) and Auburn (25).

Clemson finished the 2011 season ranked 22^nd in the final USA Today poll. Dabo Swinney will attempt to bring Clemson to consecutive top 25 finishes for the first time since 1990-91.  Clemson actually had six consecutive top 25 final rankings between 1986-91.

Preseason USA Today Coaches Poll

Rk. Team (First Place) – Pts1. LSU (18) – 14032. Alabama  (20) – 13993. Southern Cal (19) – 13884. Oklahoma – 12765. Oregon – 12586. Georgia – 10617. Florida State – 10558. Michigan – 10239. South Carolina – 98110. Arkansas – 94811. West Virginia – 83312. Wisconsin – 74313. Michigan State – 71714. Clemson – 59815. Texas – 54916. Nebraska – 50117. TCU – 49918. Stanford – 49719. Oklahoma State – 47620. Virginia Tech – 46121. Kansas State – 39822. Boise State – 27123. Florida – 25024. Notre Dame – 16625. Auburn – 66