Clemson Tigers: Keys To The Season, Top Game, Top Transfer, Fun Stats
Clemson Tigers: Key To The 2022 Offense
Get the downfield passing game going.
The running game should be at least as good – if not better – than last season, and the receivers are solid. Now it’s up to the quarterbacks to push the ball and connect a bit more.
Clemson hit just 55% of its passes with 12 touchdowns, 11 picks, and averaging six yards per throw. 2010 was the last time Clemson averaged under seven yards per throw.
In 2020 with Trevor Lawrence – and with DJ Uiagalelei for a few games – the passing game averaged 8.5 yards per pass with 31 touchdowns and six picks, the 2019 version threw 40 touchdown passes and also 8.5 yards per throw, and on and on.
No, the Tigers don’t have to bomb away, but the midrange throws have to connect. As long as the third down throws are there, the efficiency is up, and the chains are moving, everything else is in place.
Clemson Tigers: Key To The 2022 Defense
Stay healthy.
Everything will be fine no matter how this works – the D will be terrific – but the difference between great and playing for the national title depends on whether or not everyone can stay in one piece.
The Tigers had the best defense in the ACC even though the defensive front was never quite right.
Superstar tackle Bryan Bresee suffered a torn ACL against NC State, fellow star tackle Tyler Davis had a biceps injury, and pass rusher Xavier Thomas has had a slew of issues. If those three are able to play a whole season, nothing is happening against this line.
The back seven is breaking in a slew of new starters. There’s talent across the board, but there’s a problem if the untested depth and backups have to play big roles right away.
Clemson Tigers: Key Player To The 2022 Season
QB DJ Uiagalelei, Jr,
The guy has to be great.
There’s a chance star recruit Cade Klubnik rises up and takes over the gig, but Uiagalelei is way too good and has way too many positives to not be special.
You don’t throw for 781 and four touchdowns with no picks with two rushing touchdowns as a freshman in back-to-back games against Boston College and a CFP-bound Notre Dame without having the skills.
Last year he was indecisive, didn’t keep things moving like he should have, and he wasn’t close to being the player who appeared to be the obvious next Tiger superstar quarterback.
The defense is going to be amazing. The offensive line is full of veterans. The skills guys will be fine. Is Uiagalelei plays close to his potential, the team is more than just a threat to get to the College Football Playoff.
But if it’s not Uiagalelei …
Clemson Tigers: Key Transfer
QB Cade Klubnik. Fr.
Since Clemson doesn’t really do the transfer portal thing – at least not this year, other than bringing back former big-time quarterback recruit Hunter Johnson from Northwestern – let’s go with the top recruit who might be the team’s biggest deal.
The 6-2, 185-pound Klubnik needs to hit the weights and the burger bar to get a little more bulk, but as is he can throw the ball just fine. The talent and passing skills are in place to take over the job if he rises up and shines like he just might in fall camp.
He doesn’t appear to be ready quite yet, but he’s deadly accurate, can move, and he knows how to get an offense moving. If there’s the slightest blip with Uiagalelei, he’s stepping right in.
Clemson Key Game To The 2022 Season
NC State, Oct. 1
Yeah, yeah, going to Notre Dame will be the moment when everyone pays attention, but let’s get real here. Clemson should be a double-digit favorite against everyone on the schedule except for the Irish and …
NC State.
Miami and South Carolina aren’t going to be easy layups, and going to Florida State might be a push, but NC State is the problem. It’s probably the second-best team in the ACC, it tagged the Tigers last year, and it’s the lone home game in a run of three road dates in four weeks.
Unless something funky happens, beat the Wolfpack, and the Tigers can afford a slip in South Bend. Lose, and the pressure is on over the last seven games.
Clemson Tigers: 2021 Fun Stats
– Penalties: Opponents 113 for 889 yards – Clemson 79 for 657
– Sacks 42 for 274 yards – Opponents 21 for 133 yards
– Red Zone Scores: 37-of-46 (80%) – Opponents 20-of-31 (65%)
Clemson 2022 Preview
Offense, Defense Breakdown
Season Prediction, What Will Happen
Clemson Top 10 Players | Clemson Schedule & Analysis