Last year, Clemson reclaimed their spot atop the ACC after Pittsburgh broke their streak of six straight ACC Championships (2014-2020) in 2021. Despite a perfect 9-0 in ACC play, Clemson was just 2-3 in non-conference games, missing the four-team playoff and losing their bowl game.
Clemson stands a good chance to improve upon their 11-3 2022 season. I published several articles and videos previewing the upcoming year. Below is a cliff notes version of all the various articles and videos with links to the longer form articles if you’d like to dive deeper.
Clemson’s rushing attack was the strength of their offense in 2022, but it still ranked just 47th. That’s in large part because the passing game disappeared at times, but also because former offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter was willing to move away from the run if defenses stacked the box.
New offensive coordinator Garrett Riley seems less likely to let defenses dictate what he’ll do and instead will use read plays to give defenses impossible choices even if they know what’s coming. With four returning starters on the offensive line and both running backs Will Shipley and Phil Mafah returning, there should be improvement this year. Shipley and Mafah still need to take that step from good to great and convert a few more big plays, but the sky is the limit for this rushing game.
Watch more:
Read more: Clemson Season Preview – Rushing Offense
Clemson’s passing offense has been abysmal for the past two seasons. Even after notable improvements from 2021, the 2022 Clemson Tigers finished just 66th in passing yards per game (232 yrd/gm). There’s reason for hope though as Cade Klubnik takes over at QB and Garrett Riley at Offensive Coordinator. TCU, where Riley coached last season, was #1 in the nation in plays of 50-yards or more. He is a master of scheming up explosive plays and fellow Texan Cade Klubnik is a willing gunslinger.
With a veteran offensive line, a great running back duo, and a deep tight end room headlined by the athletic 6-foot-6 230lbs Tennessean, Jake Briningstool, there’s only one major unknown, the wide receivers. For each of the past two seasons, Clemson wide receivers have struggled. Injuries have played a role, but failure to create separation or win jump balls goes beyond that.
Rising sophomore Antonio Williams was a major exception to that critique. He went over 600 yards as a freshman and gives Clemson a proven playmaker. If this passing game is going to be significantly above average they need one or two others to step up. The most likely candidates are Beaux Collins and Adam Randall, but entering their third and second seasons, respectively, both are unproven. They may be the biggest X-factors on the team.
Watch more:
Read More: Clemson Season Preview – Passing Offense
On defense, Clemson was 25th in yards per play allowed and 22nd in points per game allowed. Those marks aren’t bad, but they’re below expectations. Entering his second season as defensive coordinator, Wes Goodwin could lead a much improved defense in 2023.
The biggest improvement has to come in stopping the pass. Fortunately, cornerbacks Nate Wiggins, who emerged as the year wore on, and steady veteran Sheridan Jones both return. Behind them, Toriano Pride and Jaedyn Lukus, who had to play by necessity as freshmen, return with experience. That experience should pay dividends as the cornerback group is primed to be among the most improved position groups on the team.
Clemson loses both starting defensive ends, and will rely on two sixth-year COVID-waiver, redshirt seniors to fill the void: Xavier Thomas and Justin Mascoll. There’s little experience behind them and it could necessitate some position changes and perhaps some creativity from Wes Goodwin. Clemson needs to stay healthy, especially at defensive end and linebacker, but all the pieces are there. Goodwin just needs to fit them together and prove Coach Swinney’s unorthodox decision to promote him into the defensive coordinator was a wise one.
Watch More:
Read More: Clemson Season Preview – Defense
Finally, it is time for predictions. Clemson has four tough games on the schedule. They host Florida State and Notre Dame and travel to NC State and South Carolina. I believe Clemson they will win three of those four while winning their remaining eight games to finish 11-1 and play for the ACC championship. While FSU and Notre Dame are the toughest of that foursome they’re at home, so NC State — who will be coming off an open date — in a look-ahead spot before Notre Dame, may be the lone loss.
Watch More:
Read More: Clemson Preview – Game-by-Game Predictions
RyanKantor.com 