Dabo Swinney and the Clemson football program have a lot of work to do this offseason if they want to be back in the conversation for a National Championship.
The question is, what do they need to do to do so? This is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately, and my early thoughts have led me to believe it is possible, but the Tigers’ offense will need to make a night and day change this offseason.
Clemson’s defense is losing talent, but they do that every single season. While they lose some stars, they return a ton of talent, and that talent will be enough to keep this defense in elite territory. It feels clear that this defense is championship caliber heading into 2024, but the offense will need to do their part, and that is where all of the questions truly lie.
The Tigers’ offense in 2023 was, in a way, a mess. The lack of consistency was mind-numbing, and the lack of playmaking made this team look mediocre in situations they really shouldn’t have. What was the issue? Nearly everything!
Up front, the Clemson offensive line did not perform well. They had their moments, but you need to be able to win the battle up front for the offense to have a shot. Beyond that, Clemson starting quarterback Cade Klubnik looked like he hadn’t taken that next step. Situational awareness was lacking, and Klubnik failed to show everyone why he was such a highly touted recruit. Add in the struggles at wide receiver with health and explosiveness; the Tigers really didn’t have a shot in 2023.
Can these issues be fixed? Absolutely. This Clemson offense was young in 2023, and this Clemson coaching staff has a significant opportunity in 2024.
Clemson can 100% return to the National Championship picture if this coaching staff proves capable of developing the talent they have. That’s truly the key to Clemson re-emerging into the big picture.
A young offense with a major opportunity in 2024; if the Tigers develop further and prove that they can start attacking defenses downfield, they will be back in contention. I’m putting most of this on the Tigers’ coaching staff and their ability to help these players take the next step.