After holding tough through the first half, Clemson ultimately fell to Georgia 34-3 in the Aflac KickoffGame. The Tigers did a much better job protecting the football in this game than last year’s opener. Many of the other woes that hurt them last year still haunted them in this one though. The defense held things together in the first half, but the Bulldogs made some great halftime adjustments to get their playmakers going. While it is easy to be disappointed in the second half, there are still some things for Tigers fans to be excited about.
A Special Front Seven
The Clemson defensive unit has a chance to do some special things. The defensive line and linebacker groups specifically. The Tiger defense held Georgia to just two field goals in the first half. The front seven gave the Bulldogs offense some trouble as they struggled running the ball inside all game long. Peter Woods especially gave Georgia’s offensive front fits as he finished his first game at the end with six total tackles, one sack, and 2.5 tackles for loss. Linebacker Wade Woodaz finished with eight total tackles, the most in the game overall. He also had a tackle for loss.
On the back end, there is some work to be done. Much of that could be certain guys gaining experience. The most important thing is corners not being afraid to get downhill and make tackles in the run game. Georgia started gaining momentum by running the ball to the outside on jet sweeps and outside zone plays. The Clemson defensive backs on those plays have to get aggressive coming downfield and getting the ball carrier to the ground.
Offense Needs Some Rhythm
The offense for Clemson remains a huge question mark. Besides the field goal-scoring drive, the Tigers could not find any rhythm on offense. Cade Klubnik is still struggling with his decision-making. He looked hesitant at times and others he rushed himself too much to make a throw. Klubnik finished the day completing 18 of 29 pass attempts for 142 yards and an interception.
It is clear Clemson’s key to success is going to be developing a strong run game with Phil Mafah. Running the ball on Georgia’s defense is a tough task for anyone though. Mafah finished the game with 59 yards on 16 rush attempts. If the Tigers want to get things going on offense though, they have to find ways to get Mafah 20+ carries a game. He is too good of a runner and commands so much attention when he gets going. It will help open up the passing game much more for Klubnik.
Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley also needs to find more ways to get the ball to Antonio Williams in the passing game. In the first half, Williams made some big plays Clemson fans have been wanting to see for years. Such as the tough catch deep down the sideline while being well covered by the Bulldog defensive back. In the first half, he had 4 catches for 55 yards. In the second half, he was quiet as he would only catch two more passes bringing his totals to 6 catches for 76 yards in this game.
The offense also has to get the young playmakers more involved. Tyler Brown, Bryant Wesco, and TJ Moore combined for only five catches overall. Three for Brown, One each for Wesco and Moore. Building this receiver room has been a point of emphasis for Dabo Swinney for the last few years. Now, there are explosive options in the passing game that must be used. Spreading the ball around and getting different guys involved will make defenses work harder and cover more of the field.
Final Takeaways
For the Tigers, this is a game they can’t hang their head on too much. Georgia is the top-ranked team in the country for a reason. For Clemson, the front seven on defense is stout. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart even admitted how good the defense is during his halftime interview. The defensive backs have to come back with the same fire they did to end last season. They can’t be afraid to be involved in the run game.
On offense, the Tigers need to find their rhythm. The easiest way to do this is by utilizing the run game. Clemson must do that. Mafah carrying the load on the ground helped bring glimpses of success for this offense to end the 2023 season. Riley and the Tigers’ offensive coaching staff should not go away from that. Instead, let the run game aid in Klubnik’s growth.
One last thing that could help get the offense going is letting Klubnik run the ball himself. His dual-threat ability drew the Clemson coaching staff to Klubnik in recruiting. So, they should use it. Let his legs be an extra weapon for defenses to worry about.
