The past two seasons have been a mixed bag of optimism and disappointment for Coach Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers. There have been flashes of excellence, followed by abject disappointments. The lack of consistency has been the direct product of spotty contributions from several key position groups. While some units have produced at a high level, the ineffectiveness of others have hampered the overall results on the field. As the Tigers enter the 2023 season, here is a look at some of the known strengths and several areas that need improvement for Clemson football.
Strength: The running game
One of the most proven commodities for the Tigers is the running game. Spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Will Shipley and Phil Mafah, Clemson can grind out yards on the ground. Akin to the days of Thunder and Lightning with James Davis and C.J. Spiller, both Shipley and Mafah bring their own unique element to the Tigers’ rushing attack. Shipley is the fast, electric, and more dynamic of the duo, while Mafah is the bulldozer that can grind out yards and plow between the tackles. It is the perfect complement to the Clemson offense, and if both backs get ample carries this season, Clemson could wear teams down in the second half of games.
Weakness: Offensive line
It is no secret that Clemson has struggled up front for the past several seasons. While the play of now-departed quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei left much to be desired at times, he was done few favors by a line that many times failed to protect or give him time to drop back on designed pass plays. Having to move outside of the pocket was not a strength for D.J., though the speed and versatility of Cade Klubnik should lessen the burden in that regard as he can extend plays with his legs when the situation arises. The hope is that the Clemson offensive line will begin to show more consistency this season under second-year coach Thomas Austin, but if the erratic play up front continues, Klubnik’s balanced abilities can act as a security blanket to cover up some of those deficiencies in the trenches.
Strength: Klubnik and quarterback play
Quarterbacks and offensive linemen share a symbiotic relationship. More often than not, one cannot be productive without the success of the other. Excitement is high around the Tigers’ quarterback room, however, as Klubnik and true freshman Christopher Vizzina are both talented signal callers who represent the present and future of Clemson football. Klubnik is the undisputed QB1 and under new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, many across the college football world expect Cade to flourish in Clemson’s wide-open, tempo oriented new offensive scheme. Riley has a well-earned reputation of developing dynamic quarterbacks so Clemson fans should be excited about what Klubnik will bring to the table under Riley’s tutelage. With Vizzina and veteran Hunter Helms ready behind him, Clemson appears set and ready under center.
Weakness: The secondary
To put it as bluntly as possible, the Clemson secondary struggled mightily in 2022. It was a common refrain to see the Tigers’ defensive backs and safeties get burned deep by opposing quarterbacks, and the perception was that they were too slow to react after the snap which allowed receivers to easily create separation downfield. In no game were the struggles more evident than against Wake Forest when Sam Hartman picked the backend of the Tigers’ defense apart. Clemson escaped with an overtime win only due to the heroics of Uiagalelei who played one of his best games as a Tiger, and a game-clinching interception of Hartman by Nate Wiggins in the overtime period. Wiggins bore the brunt of the criticism following the game, and in the weeks to come. He did create cause for optimism as his play greatly improved during the final games of the season. There should be no excuses for the secondary in 2023, however. Wiggins and Sheridan Jones are returning veterans, talented true sophomore Toriano Pride has a year under his belt, and sophomore Jaedyn Lukas, a former five-star recruit, should continue to mature if he is fully healthy. With 2022 pre-season All-American Andrew Mukuba in the fold as well, the time is now for this position group.
Strength: Clemson’s defensive front seven
It goes without saying that the Tigers’ defensive front seven is a scary unit. A wealth of talent comes back, especially with the surprise returns of Tyler Davis, sixth-year senior Xavier Thomas, and Ruke Orhorhoro. True freshman Peter Woods is an absolute monster in the making, along with fellow freshmen Vic Burley and Stephiylan Green who combine to form one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the country. Do not forget about veterans DeMonte Capehart and Justin Mascoll as well, two wily veterans who know what it takes to win. Additionally, the Tigers’ linebacking core remains intact minus the departed Trenton Simpson. Many national pundits have already tabbed the trio of Barrett Carter, Jeremiah Trotter, and Wade Woodaz as the best linebacking core in the country. As a combined unit, the Clemson front seven will strike fear into the hearts of every team they play in 2023.
Weakness: Health and stamina
While this could be filed under the category of bad luck as well, Clemson must remain healthy this season to resolidify themselves as a national championship contender. The Tigers’ struggles the past two seasons can also be attributed to the many injuries sustained on both sides of the ball. With attrition mainly at receiver and on the defensive line each of the past two years, Clemson was rarely at full strength. Even Will Shipley was limited due to nagging ailments. Whatever theories abound as to the cause of Clemson’s health issues, it will be hard to sustain success if multiple key starters continue to miss significant time. The Clemson defense seemed worn down and tired late in several games in 2022. Conditioning, stamina, and overall health must be achieved to reverse that trend this season.
Wild card: The wide receivers
Neither a strength nor a weakness perse, the Clemson wide receivers have been more of an enigma for the past two seasons. Multiple injuries rarely allowed the entire group to play as a cohesive unit. Consider this group a wild card in 2023. Veteran Beaux Collins is returning from offseason surgery, as is rising sophomore Adam Randall. Antonio Williams begins his sophomore season with well-deserved hype, and the dynamic pass catcher is joined by Cole Turner who burst onto the scene in the final two games of the 2022 season. True freshman Noble Johnson has the frame and natural ability to make an immediate impact as well. If the Clemson receivers can stay on the field, and stay together as a unit, then it only makes the Tigers more dangerous to opposing defenses. The talent is there, and it is time that it manifests on the field.
Until Clemson takes the field against Duke on Labor Day Monday, nobody can be certain what the Tigers’ finished product will look like. There is good reason for optimism and in other areas it is more pertinent to maintain a wait and see attitude. If everything falls into place, however, the 2023 Clemson Tigers should be counted on to make lots of noise in the play-off discussion once again.
