Clemson’s offense hoped to discover a new gear in 2023. The Tigers haven’t started on the right foot.
In Monday’s season opener against Duke, Clemson entered halftime up 7-6 with 167 total yards. The ACC powerhouse punted on three of six possessions, with its only score coming on a drive started in the red zone after a fumble recovery.
Kicker Robert Gunn III has missed both of his field-goal attempts.
Clemson’s offense in the first half vs Duke:
— Punt
— TD (18 Yard Drive)
— Fumble
— Punt
— Missed FG
— Punt pic.twitter.com/4mhe4WQyBi— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 5, 2023
Clemson made some big changes after going 11-3 with 33.2 points per game last season. Dabo Swinney tabbed Garrett Riley as his new offense coordinator after a year at TCU.
“I think he’s a great fit for Clemson. I think he’s a great fit for me, a great fit for our personnel,” Swinney said at Riley’s introductory press conference. “Philosophy wise we really match up. I have no doubt he’s going to make us better offensively, and I think we can help him grow and continue to mature and get better as well as he navigates his career,”
The Tigers turned the starting quarterback job to Cade Klubnik after D.J. Uiagalelei transferred to Oregon State. Klubnik has mustered just 85 passing yards on 21 throws, not completing a single 20-yard play as of this writing.
On the other hand, Uiagalelei went 20-of-25 for 239 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and two rushing scores in his Beavers debut.
The Tigers, who entered the season ranked No. 9, are in danger of suffering a colossal upset. They’re down 13-7 to the Blue Devils during the third quarter of a game airing on ESPN.