Have you ever heard of the yips?
Typically, it is a term for kickers, but technically, it can be used for anyone. Basically, when the lights shine their brightest, a player will have a “sudden and unexplained loss of ability to execute certain skills in experienced athletes.” For this 2023 Clemson team, we’ve seen this on the offensive line.
It has been this way for most of the season, with the Tigers’ loss against Miami once again highlighting this struggle. The Miami defensive line bullied the Tigers’ offensive line, especially on the ground, where Clemson reached just 31 yards on 34 carries. In a situation where it mattered most, 1st and goal on the 2-yard line, this offensive line got bullied.
Starting center Will Putnam discussed the Yips following the loss to Miami. From what Putnam had to say, it sounds like what’s happening with this unit.
“That definitely could be the case. A lot of guys really are thinking or maybe guys a little timid, and that’s just the thing,” Putnam said. “This isn’t a game to be timid, this isn’t a game to overthink. That’s why you practice. You practice because you come into a game, and you don’t have to think. You practice because you get confidence, and you don’t have to be timid, so yeah, it’s definitely disappointing.”
“I think stuff like that definitely is probably one of the issues guys are really having. Obviously, we do have a really talented team, but again, I think kind of the accumulation of stuff like that was our end result.”
It’s a cold reality for the Clemson football team. For Clemson’s offense to be successful, they need this offensive line to figure it out and perform at a higher level. If they don’t, a long season for the Tigers will feel even longer.