I thought it was a joke when a friend told me the Gamecocks were invited to a bowl. It turned out to be the chickens way to garner undeserved attention.

Before you get mad at me, remember that half the team didn’t want to go to the Gasparilla Bowl and the other half tested positive.

At least we can count on Clemson. They fully expected their talent-loaded team to explode through a cupcake ACC schedule, take another conference championship and win the national title.

Then along came a virus that knocked out the best quarterback in college football and cost them an over time loss to Notre Dame.

With Trevor Lawrence back at quarterback and Travis Etienne running the ball, Clemson should be the best team in college football.

College football analyst Eric Williams agrees.

The big question is if Dabo Swinney’s powerful program will win it all.

The stats

Clemson finished 2019 ranked 3rd in total offense (547.7 ypg), 20th in passing (294.8 ypg), 10th in rushing (252.9 ypg) and 4th in scoring (46.5 ppg).

As good as the Tigers were on offense, defensive coordinator Brent Venables had them better on defense.

They were 1st in total defense (244,7 ypg), 1st against passes (138.5 ypg), 9th against runs (106.2 ypg) and 1st in fewest points allowed (10.6 ppg).

Clemson lost a handful of stars to the NFL including star linebacker Isaiah Simmons, cornerback AJ Terrell and wide receiver Tee Higgins but Dabo Swinney has been extremely successful in replacing his stars each year.

The record

In 13 seasons at Clemson, Swinney has compiled a stellar 131-31 record (.809), the Tigers have won 10 games or more in 9 straight seasons while winning 14 games or more in 4 of the last 5 seasons.

They have reached the College Football Playoff in all 5 years of its existence.

They made 4 appearances and won twice in the national title game. They have beaten almost unbeatable Alabama not once but twice.

Their strength

The Tigers are loaded.

In 3 years as the starter, superstar signal-caller Trevor Lawrence – back from a 2-game quarantine – went a mind-boggling 41-3 and a national championship.

Lawrence completed 66% of his passes for 7,296 yards and 67 touchdowns.

The Tigers also have their 2-time ACC Player of the Year, senior running back Travis Etienne, The elusive ball-carrier has rushed for over 1,600 yards in each of the last 2 seasons with 57 career rushing touchdowns, including 43 in 2 seasons.

Williams believes Clemson is the favorite to win the national title again. They have only 2 games left to prove it.

What do you think of Clemson’s chances? Write ChronicleSports@yahoo.com