re: Clemson LB Shaq Smith (expected starter) has entered the Portal

One reason and a huge reason Clemson was good last year was because they persuaded so many players on their defense to return for another year.
They sold beating Bama and a National Championship as bait and their best players took it. A gamble for the players & the school that paid off.

This year all that attrition is going to take its toll. Easy schedule,but then there are the Playoffs.