CLEMSON — Despite an experienced star at quarterback, a record-setting receiver and a one-two punch in the backfield that could be the country’s best, the fate of Clemson’s high-powered offense always wanders back to the offensive line.

“If you only knew how many times I get asked about how the offensive line’s going to play,” Tiger line coach Brad Scott says.

That’s because the Tigers’ chances at winning their first Atlantic Coast Conference title in 17 years may hinge on how well Scott replaces four starters on his unit.

“We are inexperienced. There’s no hiding that,” says junior center Thomas Austin, the lone returnee this season.

Last year’s left side, tackle Barry Richardson and guard Chris McDuffie, were both all-Atlantic Coast Conference selections. Also gone are consistent performers in tackle Christian Capote and guard Brandon Pilgrim. Add Austin, and those five piled up 56 of the 65 possible starting spots along the line in last year’s 9-4 season.

What the Tigers lack in experience, Scott thinks they make up in chemistry and cohesiveness. It’s the first time the offensive linemen were all recruited and honed by Scott, who has also served as Clemson’s offensive coordinator. “I’ve been in all their homes. There’s a little something to that that carries over into the meeting room,” he said.

Need evidence? Scott points to a typical spring practice skirmish between one of his lineman and a defender a few months ago. Coaches generally let players fight it out one-on-one for a couple of minutes when teammate tempers get too hot. Unless, Scott commanded, an offensive lineman was involved.

“If it is, there better be about 10 more of you in there helping him out,” Scott said.

Sure enough, Scott got his wish next time out after some hard shoving during an inside drill. “And boy, here they came, and I’m talking about they were flying over bodies,” he said. “Just seeing them support each other in that area where other groups might’ve just walked away.”

Austin and his linemates understand Clemson’s opportunity for success this season — and don’t want to be the reason the Tigers fall short again. Clemson was a victory from the ACC title game the past two years, finishing second in the Atlantic Division to Wake Forest in 2006 and to Boston College a season ago.

Harper, Kelly and Davis passed up NFL opportunities to help the Tigers take that final step to a league crown.

“The seniors have been part of some good teams,” Austin said. “We don’t want to settle for anything less than that. Those guys came back with a purpose.”

Harper set 21 school records last season as a first-time starter while Kelly established Clemson records with 88 catches and 11 TD receptions in 2007. Both considered foregoing their senior seasons for the NFL.

Tailback James Davis, who’s rushed for more than 1,000 yards the last two seasons, declared for the pro draft in January before returning to the Tigers a week or so later. Don’t forget tailback C.J. Spiller, Tigers’ “Lightning” to Davis’ “Thunder,” and receiver Jacoby Ford, healthy after an injury that cost him the last five games.

Scott feels he’s got several strong candidates for the line. Juniors Cory Lambert and Jamarcus Grant head into next week’s camp on the first team at left tackle and left guard. Barry Humphries, a sophomore who started seven games last fall, is the starter at right guard, while sophomore Chris Hairston is in at tackle. Bobby Hutchinson, Mason Cloy, Landon Walker, David Smith and incoming freshman Antoine McClain could also figure into the mix.

Harper took 35 sacks last season and expects that number to drop this season because of line’s potential. “They just have to get a lot of work this August,” he said. “Coach Scott will have them in position to play. I have complete confidence in those guys.”

So does Austin, who says the continual questioning has given the players purpose. “We’ve got a chip on our shoulders. We’re saying, ’Hey, we’re not going to be the weakest part”’ of the team. And that could mean some very strong performances ahead for the Tigers.

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