Key Storylines as Clemson Hosts Preseason Media Outing

Clemson football kicks off the preseason with a media outing this morning, allowing us a chance to engage with the coaching staff. All full-time Clemson assistant coaches are supposed to be available for interviews, and Head Coach Dabo Swinney will address the media following lunch.

While the kickoff between the Tigers and the Duke Blue Devils is still 48 days away on September 4, there are several key storylines that fans and analysts alike are eager to explore. Additionally, the upcoming ACC Kickoff in Charlotte promises to provide further insights from players and coaches across the league. Here are a few key storylines for Clemson that fans will certainly keep an eye on as the season approaches:

How will Clemson's offense look under new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley this season?

One of the most significant changes for the Tigers this season is the introduction of Garrett Riley as the new offensive coordinator. Riley's appointment brings excitement and curiosity as he takes over the reins of Clemson's high-powered offense. Former offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter got one season to run the offense after Tony Elliott left to be the head coach at Virginia, and it went better than Elliott’s final season, but it just wasn’t good enough-- so Swinney made a big move hiring the hottest offensive names in the country. 

All eyes will be on Riley to see how he implements his strategies and utilizes the Tigers' talented roster of players. Clemson has been known for its explosive and high-scoring style of play, and Swinney’s hope is that Riley’s offense will be more explosive than the past two seasons.

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Wes Goodwin enters his second season as defensive coordinator in Tiger Town.

How high is the pressure on defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin after a challenging first year?

I understand that Year 1 isn’t always perfect, but Wes Goodwin’s first season, combined with the unusual nature of his hiring, leads me to believe there will be significant pressure on the second-year defensive coordinator.

After the departure of the highly regarded Brent Venables to Oklahoma, Goodwin faced the daunting task of filling the shoes of one of the top defensive minds in the game. Goodwin's first year had its share of growing pains, which left some questioning whether he was ready for the gameday aspects of coaching.

Clemson's defense has always been a force to be reckoned with, and this season is no exception. With standout linebackers, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter under his tutelage, the performance of Clemson's defense will be closely scrutinized this season, and the spotlight will be on Goodwin to showcase his growth and adaptability. 

Can Cade Klubnik break through the playoff door like his predecessors?

Clemson has seen a remarkable run of successful quarterbacks in recent years, with the likes of Trevor Lawrence, Deshaun Watson, and Kelly Bryant leading the Tigers into the College Football Playoff. However, Clemson faced a two-year hiatus, raising questions about the impact of quarterback play under D.J. Uiagalelei.

After a stellar performance in relief of Uiagalelei, then freshman Cade Klubnik took over during the ACC Championship Game and gave the sluggish Clemosn offense a jolt of energy, leading to a 39-10 win over North Carolina. Klubnik earned ACC Championship Game MVP honors after completing 20-of-24 passes for 279 yards and a touchdown, rushing seven times for 30 yards with a rushing touchdown, and recording a 19-yard reception. In Klubnik’s first career start, in the Orange Bowl against Tennessee, the game plan fell short of expectations leading Swinney to make the change at OC. Now, with Riley calling plays, Clemson fans are eager to see if Klubnik can follow in the footsteps of his predecessors and lead the Tigers back to championship contention.

Up Next:

Next week, we will ahead to the ACC Kickoff, a highly anticipated event where players and coaches from all ACC teams gather in Charlotte to discuss the upcoming season. This will provide an excellent opportunity to hear from other teams in the conference and gain insights into their strategies, challenges, and aspirations. We will be on the floor at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte for the three-day event. 

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