Well, it’s that time of the year. I am so excited that we are so close to rivalry week, and then I remember we first have to watch our favorite teams devour some cupcakes this week.
Clemson has The Citadel this Saturday afternoon. The 5-6 Bulldogs are a bottom half SoCon team. Even for cupcake standards, this is a bad football team. The final score will be whatever Clemson decides they want it to be.
Now that we have talked enough about the game on Saturday, let’s go big picture and look at this season for Clemson. We are 10 games in and at least three games remain. The Tigers in 2024 have done what many expected them to do at this point: lose to Georgia, lose a random ACC game, and beat everyone else.
However, even though Clemson has met expectations, has this season been a disappointment? Sure, Cade Klubnik is much better than he was last year. Phil Mafah has been great. Antonio Williams is one of the best pass catchers in the ACC. Sammy Brown might be one of the more talented freshman linebackers in the country. So, how has the season been a disappointment?
REALITY CHECK: In a season where Clemson beats South Carolina, the season never has been and never will be a disappointment.
Now that we have our disclaimer, we can’t really call the season a disappointment… yet. However, the Tigers have definitely disappointed in some respects.
The Tigers defense, regarded as one of the best in the country in the preseason, has been far from it. Let’s take a look at where the Tigers rank in some major defensive categories.
Redzone Defense: 92nd (Opponent has scored in 27 of 31 redzone attempts)
Rushing Defense: 41st (124.8 yards allowed per game)
Passing Defense: 74th (222 yards allowed per game)
Scoring Defense: 46th (22.2 allowed points per game)
Total Defense: 49th (348.6 total yards allowed per game)
The defense has not been good. They have underperformed in almost every way imaginable. The stats presented above tell youthis: the Tigers defense has been an average defense against very below average offenses. Though, it is important to remember that there are at a minimum more games left in the season to right the ship on that side of the football. Let’s stay optimistic here.
Now that we are back being optimists, there are some positives on this team. We highlighted some individuals from the Clemson offense that have performed way above expectations in 2024. So, where does the Clemson offense rank in major categories in comparison to the rest of the country?
Redzone Offense: 31st (Scored 35 of 39 redzone attempts)
Rushing Offense: 37th (184.6 yards per game)
Passing Offense: 24th (276.1 yards per game)
Scoring Offense: 14th (36.3 points per game)
Total Offense: 10th (460.7 yards per game)
Say whatever you want about the Clemson defense (trust me, I sure will), but this Tigers offense has been one of the best in the country. It is very easy to get down on this team because of the two losses, the slow starts to games, and another year of potential missing out on the ACC Championship Game / the College Football Playoff. However, I believe Tiger fans should take some solace from this season knowing that the offense is back on the rise. This can be largely attributed to second-year offensive coordinator, Garrett Riley. Tiger fans can only hope he does not leave for a head coaching job anytime soon.
So, let’s return to the original question: has this season been a disappointment? In all reality, no. However, just like most things in sports, your opinion largely depends on the lens that you view both college and Clemson football through. If you are “narrative building,” then more than likely this year adds to your narrative that “Dabo should retire / be fired” and “the Tigers won’t ever do anything again until they start using the portal.”Although some things need to be changed within the program, I would strongly encourage you to not view this season that way for the Tigers.
An 8-2, soon to be 9-2, season is nothing scoff at. Many programs would LOVE to win eight ball games in a year. Furthermore, Clemson has a very good offense and a slightly below average defense. Though the Tigers need help from Miami & SMU, they still have a chance to go to Charlotte to play for an ACC Championship. Be proud Tiger fans. Especially this weekend as you gobble down your cupcakes.
Though, as you enjoy your cupcakes this Saturday Clemson fans, just remember one thing: South Carolina awaits.
