Monday night’s loss to Duke was one that no one expected from the coaches, players,
and fan base, but it was one to take many positives from.
Clemson football outgained Duke by forty-eight yards and had 12 more first downs. The offense showed what they can do with multiple long drives, especially in the second half. While the glimpse of what Clemson’s offense could be was revealed, the Clemson offense stalled in plus territory. The main issues that Clemson could be happier about are the plays inside the red zone. Clemson had two fumbles on Duke’s one-yard line and a missed field goal from Duke’s four-yard line. While the game did not go in Clemson’s favor, it is only week one, and there are still eleven games left in the season. Many
different Clemson players talked in front of the media on Wednesday to give their input on the
Monday night game.
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Throughout the offseason, the one group that was working in the shadows of all the
offensive firepower was the offensive line. On Monday, they were able to show how much they
should be praised during the offseason. Clemson gave up only one sack on 43 drop backs
with only five Quarterback hurries throughout the game. This allowed both running backs, Phil
Mafah and Will Shipley to average over five yards a carry. While the offensive line was pleased
with how they worked, they are not satisfied with their performance and understand there is still
much work to be done. Will Putnam talked to the media on Wednesday and stated, “There were a
couple of communication issues that broke down on both the pass and rush game.” While these
communication issues happened, it is week one. There are a lot of great takeaways from this
game. The expectation is for the offensive line to continue to be dominant throughout the season.
Throughout the Dabo Swinney era, Clemson has had some historic defensive lines. This
season was expected to be the same, even with the losses of Bryan Bresse, Myles Murphy and KJ Henry. Ruke Orhorhoro is a big piece to make this defensive line as good as in previous years.
“Ruke’s mentality shows that it is all about the next game. He also had an exceptional message to Clemson fans, stating, “Clemson fans are very loyal and keep the faith. We have had some great wins on behalf of the team that is always sticking with us.”
Ruke Orhorhoro
On Wednesday, he caught up with the media. Ruke stated, “While (Clemson) did not have a sack
during the game, the defense did have eight quarterback hurries and is part of what held Riley
Leonard, Duke’s quarterback, to only 175 yards passing. Orhorhoro’s message was simple: do not harp
on the past. The outcome of the game is not changing, so it is time to move on and focus on the
goals left. Even when asked what was the hardest part about being on the other side of a loss like
that, Ruke stated, “Getting back at five in the morning. ” Orhorhoro’s mentality shows that it is all about
the next game. He also had an exceptional message to Clemson fans, stating, “Clemson fans are
very loyal and keep the faith. We have had some great wins on behalf of the team that is always
sticking with us.” This defensive line is ready to show what makes them one of the nation’s best
and starts this weekend against Charleston Southern.
There were two freshmen players whom many fans did not know about. TJ Parker and
Tyler Brown played the first games of their collegiate careers, and each showed flashes of what
they could do. Each freshman caught up with the media on Wednesday and had many things to
say. TJ Parker and Tyler Brown mentioned speed as the most significant difference between high
school and college.
“Everything speeds up. I knew the playbook but did not trust myself. Keyed into the playbook and not second guessing and made things come slower.”
T.J. Parker
Parker knew what he had to do to get better in the spring and got it done. Tyler Brown, on the other
hand, was not an early enrollee. Still, he came during the summer instead, which gave him less
time to prepare for the game on Monday, but he still made an impact catching his first career
pass. He credited his Greenville High School coaches with why he could contribute so early in
the season.
Losing the first game is separate from the plan for any playoff-aspiring team.
Historically, teams starting 0-1 have never made the playoffs. However, Clemson Football is
gearing up for a potentially historic remainder of the season, and they’re calling on everyone to
buy into their vision. The coaches and players refuse to throw in the towel and are hoping
Clemson fans will stand by them through thick and thin.
