I was reading an article earlier today that asked if Clemson can handle all the expectations that come with being a national favorite.

It is a fair question, I guess, but I don’t think it was well thought out.

It’s not like Clemson has not been here before. Last year, Clemson spent the last six weeks of the season as the No. 1 ranked team in the College Football Playoff Poll. The Tigers were ranked No. 1 by the Associated Press the last five weeks of the regular season, and were No. 1 the last four weeks in the Coaches Poll.

I remember, and I’m sure some of you do as well, that each week the experts questioned if Clemson could handle the pressures of being No. 1. And with each week, the Tigers answered the call.

Some even had the nerve to put Clemson on upset alert against South Carolina, a team that had just lost to the Citadel the week before. Yes, the Gamecocks played admirably, but as anyone would tell you that was actually watching the game, the Tigers had control of the game from the beginning and never once did anyone feel like they were going to lose it.

The following week in the ACC Championship Game, North Carolina became everyone’s hot pick, and said the pressure of being No.1 and all the expectations that laid ahead for Clemson would be too much. They said North Carolina’s high-flying offense would take down a tired and worn down Clemson defense.

The Tar Heels were held to a season-low 382 yards and if it wasn’t for Clemson’s own mistakes, the game never should have been close as the Tigers nearly doubled UNC in total yards and ran 98 plays.

In the Orange Bowl, everyone said this is the game where everything catches up with the Tigers. There is no way they will beat Oklahoma, especially with Jeremy Mayfield and that running game. “The 2014, 40-6, win over the Sooners was a fluke,” some said. “There is no way Clemson wins in the Orange Bowl.

“Oklahoma’s program has been here before. Clemson has not. The pressure will be too much.” Sound familiar?

Clemson once again physically obliterated the Sooners on national television.

Even when the Tigers lost in the College Football Playoff Championship Game to Alabama, it was not because they could not handle being in the spotlight. Clemson did not give to the pressures of being No. 1 and playing in the title game.

Instead, Nick Saban out foxed Dabo Swinney, resorting to a surprise onside kick to grab control of what was one the best and most exciting championship games in the last 10 years.

So can Clemson handle the expectations of being the preseason No. 2 team? Can Clemson handle the expectations of being the favorites to win the ACC? Can Clemson handle the expectations that come with being an elite program?

Of course it can. Did you not watch last season?