The Clemson offense is looking for a bounce back season in 2024. It goes without saying that side of the ball has not been up to the Tigers’ standards for several seasons, but with a deeper and more talented unit in place, things could be looking up.
Here are five questions that must be answered about the Clemson offense as a new season quickly approaches:
Can Cade Klubnik take the next step?
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is entering his third season with the Tigers, and second as the undisputed QB1. Klubnik has looked brilliant at times, and in others like a deer caught in the headlights. While Cade has shown flashes of being a dominant quarterback, not all of the pieces have fallen into place. Quick and decisive decision making has been a blight in his game, and the junior has been turnover prone, especially in the red zone. Clemson needs Klubnik to take the final step into top-tier status and put together a monster season if the Tigers are to return to the College Football Play-off. Can Cade deliver?
Will WRU return?
Only part of the offensive woes falls onto Klubnik’s shoulders. The wide receiver corps has not exactly lived up to Clemson’s standard of WRU the past three seasons, and that lack of production has been telling when you evaluate the overall production of the Clemson offense. A mixture of injuries and attrition have set back what was a dominant unit for many years in Death Valley. A wealth of experience returns with the likes of Tyler Brown, Antonio Williams, Adam Randall, Cole Turner and Troy Stellato. Five-star additions Bryant Wesco and T.J. Moore will bolster the position. Can Clemson’s receivers stay healthy and finally break out? The Tigers’ offensive success depends on it.
Will the offensive line improve?
Clemson has lagged behind when it comes to the offensive line. Things, however, are looking up after the hiring of Matt Luke, one of the most highly regarded offensive line coaches in the nation. The Tigers return an experienced group up front, but there have been times when the run blocking was not up to par which forced the backs to create yards for themselves. Klubnik was on the run a lot last season, and that will have to improve. If Clemson can block and give Cade and running back Phil Mafah time to work, then the offense will be that much better. Can Matt Luke work his magic and help turn the Tigers’ line into a dominant unit?
How good can Phil Mafah be?
Last season, Clemson had a dynamic tandem at running back with Will Shipley and Phil Mafah in the backfield. Shipley has departed to the NFL, leaving the bruising Mafah as the unquestioned leader in the run game. Mafah has shown a propensity to put the team on his back in crucial situations and did so in last season’s Gator Bowl thriller over Kentucky. Clemson fans have often wondered just how good Mafah could be as the featured back and now we get the chance to see. So far, Phil has lived up to the hype when he has his chances to shine. Can Mafah put up a monster season for the Tigers and surpass the 1,500-yard threshold?
Will the tight ends be more involved in the offense?
Clemson football has a long history of great tight ends. In recent memory, Jordan Leggett cemented himself as one of the great pass catchers in program history at the position. Current starter Jake Briningstool has shown the capability to be dominant, but at times it has seemed the tight end as a pass catcher has been a waning factor in the Tigers’ offensive game plan.
If offensive coordinator Garrett Riley can dial up more looks for Briningstool, Josh Sapp, and Olsen Patt-Henry, then look out for the Tigers’ offense. Will the tight ends be more involved and help turn the Clemson offense back into a feared juggernaut?
