The primary inquiry looming over Clemson, as identified by ESPN, pertains predominantly to offensive matters.
Over recent seasons, the Clemson football program has fallen short of expectations, largely due to struggles on offense. This decline coincided with the departure of college football icon Trevor Lawrence, who served as the team’s starting quarterback. Since then, Clemson has seen two different quarterbacks take the helm: DJ Uiagalelei, now starting for rival Florida State, and Cade Klubnik, the current starter for the Tigers. However, the offense hasn’t been able to replicate its previous success for a variety of reasons.
ESPN recently highlighted Clemson’s offense as a major area of concern, questioning what exactly is amiss with the unit. While it may seem oversimplified to attribute issues solely to “the offense,” there are several specific areas that need addressing. Klubnik, entering a crucial season, will need to step up, especially considering Garrett Riley’s offensive scheme struggled in 2023 but is expected to improve with another year under his belt. Additionally, the offensive line, which faced challenges last season, is anticipated to see improvement under the guidance of new position coach Matt Luke. Despite recent thinness in the receiving corps, Coach Dabo Swinney expresses confidence in the current personnel. However, the key challenge lies in synchronizing the progress of each offensive group simultaneously, which has been a recurring issue for the Tigers.
Undoubtedly, improvements are needed on the offensive front for Clemson. However, the potential for a turnaround is high, given the talent and pieces in place for the 2024 season. While much expectation falls on Klubnik, the effectiveness of Riley’s coaching in his second season with the Tigers will be critical. Although Clemson’s offense wasn’t abysmal in 2023, it lacked explosiveness and ranked average within the pack.
For Klubnik, development in the weight room and decision-making skills are paramount. As he enters his second year, he must bulk up to handle the demands of collegiate football while refining his decision-making abilities. In 2023, Klubnik showed glimpses of potential with solid passing statistics, but he has yet to fully establish himself as an elite quarterback. The upcoming season represents a pivotal moment for him to prove his worth and demonstrate significant progress.
