Clemson Must Run The Ball Better
The Furman Paladins outgained Clemson, but the Tigers still won 35-12. If DJ Uiagalelei continues to be the quarterback the running game and offensive line have to help him. A better running game equals play action and easier throws. This can help the receivers who, outside of Antonio Williams, have little speed. 91st in the nation with Will Shipley and Kobe as your backs does not see possible. The line needs to open bigger holes with a better push.
Clemson’s Defense Looked Flat Versus Furman
The Tigers defense played the run decently against Furman but allowed way too much against the pass. Clemson’s effort was far from their solid night against Georgia Tech. Giving up 256 yards passing and allowing the Paladins to run 74 plays is not good enough with a defense this talented. The defensive line especially must produce more. Nine tackles for loss looks good but two sacks per game will not be enough to put any fear in Sam Hartman or Devin Leary.
Clemson Cannot Look Beyond Louisiana Tech
Next week the Louisiana Tech travels to Death Valley, where the Tigers have won 35 in a row. As flat and lacking energy as Clemson was Saturday they cannot take the Bulldogs lightly. Given how they performed Saturday there is no reason they should. A D performance by the entire team may not be enough.
Not only do both sides of the ball need to show more given the upsets Saturday, after the Bulldogs Clemson faces its first big test. Clemson takes on Wake Forest in Winston-Salem in two weeks. Clemson kept Sam Hartman and the Deacons offense in check for its biggest win last season. With the offense sputtering at times the defense may be asked to carry the team to a win again.