In some ways, Dabo Swinney's Clemson Tigers are in a familiar spot heading into Saturday's spring finale at Memorial Stadium.
They have several returning stars at offensive skill positions—including Heisman finalist Deshaun Watson—but the defensive depth chart needs to be almost completely rebuilt. Last year, Clemson was able to combine that offensive firepower and new defensive talent into an ACC champion and a national runner-up.
And those defending designations are what makes this year's Orange & White Game somewhat different, despite the old storylines of defensive question marks and exciting offensive talent.
Instead of the consistent 10-win program still looking to get over the hump, Clemson pushed Alabama to the brink in the national title game.