The Road to Recovery Starts Now
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In the wake of Clemson's shocking 21-point loss to Duke, Tiger fans everywhere are left with more questions than answers. The team that was once considered a playoff contender now finds itself reeling from a disappointing start to the season. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what went wrong against Duke and what Clemson must do to rebound as they prepare to face Charleston Southern.
It's hard to ignore the fact that this loss was nothing short of devastating for Clemson. It was the second-worst performance of week one in college football, second only to Baylor's shocking defeat at the hands of Texas State. As the Tigers entered the season with high hopes, this loss left fans in disbelief.
First and foremost, Clemson must address the offensive struggles. Clemson's highly anticipated offensive coordinator, Garrett Riley, was brought in to address and improve the offensive woes that plagued the team last season. Unfortunately, the Duke game demonstrated that these problems are far from resolved. While some pundits are quick to suggest raiding the transfer portal, it's crucial to remember that this is the 2023 roster, and immediate fixes for this year aren’t solved through the transfer portal.
Before the season, there was optimism that Clemson could make a playoff run under Riley's guidance. However, the Duke loss has led to doubts about the team's readiness. So, what can Clemson do to turn things around?
Let's start with the quarterback, Cade Klubnik. He showed flashes of brilliance against Duke but also made questionable decisions, throwing into double coverage when safer options were available. To rebound, he must settle down, improve his chemistry with the wide receivers, and avoid forcing throws into tight coverage. Ideally, a 250 to 300-yard passing game would demonstrate progress.
The offensive struggles aren't limited to Klubnik. The usually reliable kicker, Robert Gunn, had a nightmare game. It's clear that special teams need work, and Gunn must regain his consistency. Clemson cannot afford to miss easy field goals.
One glaring issue was Clemson's red-zone inefficiency. Despite numerous trips to the red zone, the team only managed to score seven points. To improve, Clemson needs to be more aggressive in the end zone, taking more shots and not relying solely on yards after the catch.
Furthermore, Clemson must increase its offensive efficiency. The Tigers had nearly 20 more snaps than Duke but gained only around 50 more yards. Garrett Riley's offense needs to find ways to score quickly, like many other successful teams in college football.
Looking ahead, Clemson’s matchup with Charleston Southern presents an opportunity to build confidence. While it's unlikely to be a loss for Clemson, this game serves as a stepping stone toward their showdown with Florida State. If the Tigers can address the issues highlighted here and use this game as a building block, they still have a fighting chance to turn their season around.
Clemson faces a crucial moment in their season, with the potential for redemption after a demoralizing loss. It's essential for the Tigers to regroup, make necessary adjustments, and rediscover their offensive prowess. If they can do that, Clemson can still be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming games. The road to recovery starts now.