CHARLOTTE — Clemson football’s coach Dabo Swinney and his players know the Tigers weren’t as bad as their record showed.
Clemson went 9-4 last season, winning their fewest games since 2010 and missing the ACC championship and the College Football Playoff for the third straight season. Yet, the 16-year Tigers coach recognizes how close his team could have been to 12-1.
Outside of Clemson’s 21-point season-opening loss to Duke, it dropped three one-possession games, including overtime matchups to Florida State and Miami. Ill-opportune plays and poor ball security caused the Tigers’ “frustrating” 2023 season.
“We were good last year, (but) there was a lot of meat left on the bone,” linebacker Barrett Carter said.
So much so, Swinney is optimistic about Clemson’s chances in finishing games in 2024.
One reason is how Swinney’s team finished its 2023 season. Following the 4-4 start, Clemson won five straight — including two one-possession games — to conclude its season with notable victories over Notre Dame, North Carolina and South Carolina. The Tigers relied on a combination of freshmen and veterans to average 31.6 points while holding opponents to 21.2 in the final five games.
“That momentum, confidence, experience and adversity all combined together has really driven this group,” Swinney said. “Guys came back because they wanted to finish on their own terms, if you will. We’ve recruited well. We’ve got some guys that got some experience last year that are going to be better.”
Another reason is how the Tigers’ offense will perform in the second season under coordinator Garrett Riley’s system. Clemson ranked last in the conference in passing yards per attempt with 6.3 last year, but the offense is expected to improve with quarterback Cade Klubnik having a chorus of physical and speedy athletes surrounding him.
The…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/tired-disrespect-heres-why-clemson-222704990.html
Author : Greenville News
Publish date : 2024-07-25 22:27:04
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