Eric Mac Lain Provides Insight on Clemson Football, ACC Breakdown
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The ACC Kickoff in July always allows us to sit down with some of the most prominent figures in college football. This year, we talked with former Clemson standout Eric Mac Lain, who played for the Tigers from 2011 to 2015. Now a studio analyst on The Huddle, The ACC Network’s flagship football show, Mac Lain shared his perspectives on the event, the state of Clemson football, and the ACC landscape.
For Mac Lain, being back at the ACC Kickoff was a reminder of the passage of time and the evolution of college football. Reflecting on his own experience as a player nearly a decade ago, Mac Lain noted the growth and transformation of the event.
"What's crazy is doing this as a player eight years ago, and it's way different now. It's way bigger-- way better," he exclaimed. The shift in scale is not lost on him, and he finds joy in witnessing the opportunities the current student-athletes enjoy. "The opportunities for the student-athletes-- it's incredible. It's really cool," he added.
A notable topic of discussion in Charlotte was the rise of Florida State and its bid to challenge Clemson's reign. Mac Lain's perspective on the matter is shaped by recent history.
"I do think it is legitimate for FSU, but until proven, it's Clemson," he asserted. The two teams have shared a storied history, and Mac Lain pointed out that Clemson has maintained a winning record against Florida State since 2014.
“I mean, these guys haven't lost to FSU since 2014. I was playing,” Mac Lain noted. “I was on that team right down at Doak Campbell Stadium. I was also on the team that broke the streak in '15 and went on to win the ACC Championship. That's when that tide started turning and it hasn't looked back since.”
While acknowledging a narrowing gap between the teams, Mac Lain emphasized Clemson's consistent success, even in the ‘down’ years as some have described the past two seasons.
As for FSU, Mac Lain feels like they are as loaded as they’ve been in a long time. "They've got dogs and some really good players that you've got to be ready. You have to be at your A game," he noted of Florida State, setting a high bar for both teams.
Mac Lain's excitement for the upcoming matchup between the two teams on September 23 in Death Valley was palpable.
"I can't wait to see that fourth game of the year. Then, hopefully, we get to see it twice," he said with a grin. His optimism extended to the prospect of both teams meeting again in the ACC Championship and possibly even securing playoff spots. Drawing parallels to the ACC's previous playoff success, Mac Lain hinted at the potential for history to repeat itself as it did in 2020 when Notre Dame and Clemson faced off in the ACC Title Game and both made the CFB Playoff.
Last season, Florida State topped LSU in the opening game of the season for the Seminoles-- the Tigers, on the other hand, lost to Notre Dame, South Carolina, and Tennessee-- all non-conference games. He noted the importance of games against conferences like the SEC. Mac Lain emphasized the significance of these matchups in shaping the ACC's narrative and reputation.
"You want to change the narrative? You want to set the tone? Go win," he urged, stressing the collective effort required from ACC teams to enhance the conference's standing on the national stage as the Seminoles prepare for their opener against LSU.
As for the Tigers, Mac Lain spoke highly of Dabo Swinney, recognizing the unique motivation that drives Clemson’s two-time national championship head coach.
"He is not motivated by external factors. He does everything for his Lord and Savior, and that drives him differently than a lot of people," Mac Lain commented. He acknowledged the toll that losses can take but expressed confidence in Swinney's steadfast approach. According to Mac Lain, the addition of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley is a testament to Clemson's commitment to excellence.
"I think the Tigers are going to be back. The Tigers are just fine," he assured, hinting at Clemson's offensive performance resurgence.
Mac Lain's analysis extended to Clemson's roster, particularly the emerging talent at quarterback. He noted Cade Klubnik's potential, pointing to his dynamic ACC Championship performance and multi-dimensional abilities. "He's going to be dynamic," Mac Lain noted of Klubnik in Riley’s air raid offense.
However, he emphasized the importance of Klubnik's supporting cast, particularly the wide receiver group. Mac Lain spotlighted the quartet of Adam Randall, Cole Turner, Antonio Williams, and Beaux Collins, envisioning their potential to be a game-changing force if they remain healthy and united on the field.
“He needs some help from his wide receivers,” Mac Lain said. “He needs those guys to stay healthy. That group of four right there can be special, but they have to be on the field. They have to be together."
Eric Mac Lain's insights provided a comprehensive look into Clemson's ambitions and the dynamics that could shape the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2023. As The Huddle continues to air on The ACC Network, fans can expect Mac Lain's perspective to offer a deeper understanding of the game and unique insight into the Clemson Tiger program.
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