Clemson football's early-season slide has drawn some heavy criticism, and former ESPN analyst David Pollack didn't hold back when asked about the Tigers.
Pollack, who picked Clemson to win it all before the season, now sees striking parallels between their struggles and Florida State's stunning collapse from a 13-1 campaign in 2023 to a 2-10 disaster in 2024.
"You know what I learned about Clemson?" Pollack said. "I learned that they're this year's FSU. That's what I learned. A lot of things to talk about. A lot of positives. A lot of guys returning. A lot of big names. A lot of reasons for hope, and then so far, you've been every bit as disappointing as FSU a year ago. Do they go two wins? Maybe not. But right now, there's not a bigger disappointment in all of college football than what they've been so far."
Clemson's 34-21 loss to Syracuse only deepened the concern, with the defense faltering after showing flashes in earlier games. Pollack said that inconsistency has left the Tigers with no clear strength to lean on.
"(Saturday) was the defense. We've seen the defense play OK in spurts," he said. "Either way, man, you've got problems. You've got a lot of problems. I don't know which one needs to be fixed first, but gah dog it is not good times and there is not a single person that is all-in in Clemson."
The Tigers head into their bye week at 1-3 before facing North Carolina in Chapel Hill on Oct. 4.
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