Clemson is having a difficult time playing up to its own lofty expectations this season.
AP Top 25 voters have taken notice and docked the Tigers a couple of spots since they started the season No. 2 even though Clemson is undefeated. We've seen this before. Ohio State last season never looked quite right as it tried to defend its national championship with a loaded team.
The year before it was Florida State that couldn't match the hype, but was still really good.
That's where Clemson is halfway through the season. The Tigers have looked a little off and they were downright lucky to beat North Carolina State.