Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers were expected to experience some regression in the 2021 college football season after losing quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne to the NFL over the offseason. But even when considering those huge subtractions from the offense, Clemson is definitely one that’s been underperforming on that side of the ball, and DJ Uiagalelei is catching heat, as he continues to search for stability under center.
Clemson’s 17-14 road win over the Syracuse Orange on Friday was the Tigers’ second victory since getting upset by the NC State Wolfpack on Sep. 25. However, that certainly is not enough to make Tigers nation nor Swinney feel good enough about the overall current status of the team’s offense.
Via Alexis Cubit of The Charlotte Observer:
“Defense is the strength of our team right now until our offense grows up a little bit and starts playing a little cleaner,” Swinney said.
While Clemson's stop unit remains stout, the Tigers still shouldn't have let their defense got heavily relied upon in the Syracuse game. Clemson was a favorite by 13.5 points entering that contest, but the Tigers fell way short of a cover due in large part to their sputtering offense. They went 5 of 15 on their downs and passed for only 191 net yards. Clemson was even outgained by the Orange, 356-316.
Getting back to the College Football Playoff is unlikely for Clemson after the loss to NC State and because of a soft schedule ahead of the Tigers. But for now, the main focus for Swinney's team is to straighten out their issues on offense.
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