Tag: Eric Mac Lain

Mac Lain sets the narrative straight on Clemson

On The ACC Huddle show, a few ACC Network analysts discussed Clemson following the fifth-ranked Tigers’ 31-3 win at Boston College on Saturday night. Eric Mac Lain, the former Clemson and All-ACC offensive lineman, was asked why the Tigers aren’t …

On The ACC Huddle show, a few ACC Network analysts discussed Clemson following the fifth-ranked Tigers’ 31-3 win at Boston College on Saturday night.

Eric Mac Lain, the former Clemson and All-ACC offensive lineman, was asked why the Tigers aren’t mentioned with top-tier teams like Georgia, Alabama and Ohio State, despite the fact that Clemson takes everybody’s best punch and usually ends up on the winning side.

“I do think that there is a little bit of a narrative that some people would rather talk about those teams instead of the Tigers,” Mac Lain said. “But at the end of the day, when you look at the resume, they have one of the best in the country – maybe the best in the country – with two top-15 wins. You just saw the strength even building with NC State getting the big win tonight (over Florida State).

“So, I think it’s business as usual for the Tigers. I think — Coach (Mark Richt), you said it early this season, maybe it was even at media day — if they get the quarterback play I think they can, they’re right back, it’s curtains for everybody else, and that’s what they’ve gotten.”

You can watch Mac Lain, Richt and EJ Manuel discuss Clemson below:

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Mac Lain: Back to business as usual for Clemson

New girl dad Eric Mac Lain joined the ACC PM show on the ACC Network Thursday afternoon. Proudly wearing his girl dad shirt Mac Lain talked about his Tigers and where they stand after the win over NC State. “No I think it is back to business as …

New girl dad Eric Mac Lain joined the ACC PM show on the ACC Network Thursday afternoon.  Proudly wearing his girl dad shirt Mac Lain talked about his Tigers and where they stand after the win over NC State.

“No I think it is back to business as usual and the kings have returned,” Mac Lain said on ACC PM.  “We knew that it was going to be contingent on quarterback play.  I say that on the country notes, not just the ACC.  These guys and playing with the quarterback confidence that they see from DJU Clemson is squarely back as one of those four teams where it is like okay we have these guys and then everybody else.  The defense got right against a team like NC State that was really doing things well offensively and defensively.  So I think that because of that quarterback play, the confidence that this team has as a unit when they see a guy like that playing the way that he is.”

The former Clemson offensive lineman and tight end warned that the Tigers are only going to get better.

“Look out for the Tigers because they are only getting better.  Some teams peak early and start to tail off and we are starting to see them struggle a little bit.  Clemson is going to be thriving come November, December,” said Mac Lain.

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce limited edition signed cards from the freshmen football players are now in our online store.  There are only 100 of each signed.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Analysts discuss what they saw from Uiagalelei, Clemson offense vs. La Tech

On ACC Network’s “The ACC Huddle” show following Clemson’s 48-20 win over Louisiana Tech at Death Valley on Saturday night, ACCN analysts Eric Mac Lain and EJ Manuel gave their takeaways from what they saw from DJ Uiagalelei and the Tigers’ offense …

On ACC Network’s “The ACC Huddle” show following Clemson’s 48-20 win over Louisiana Tech at Death Valley on Saturday night, ACCN analysts Eric Mac Lain and EJ Manuel gave their takeaways from what they saw from DJ Uiagalelei and the Tigers’ offense against the Bulldogs.

Uiagalelei was 17-of-29 for 221 yards and two scores through the air and picked up 62 yards on the ground on nine carries, guiding a Clemson offense that gained a season-high 521 total yards, including 280 rushing on 39 attempts (7.2 average).

The Tigers (3-0, 1-0 ACC) put up 35 points in the second half and outscored the Bulldogs by 21 over the final two quarters.

“I mean, that’s what you wanted to see,” said Mac Lain, the former Clemson and All-ACC offensive lineman. “We spoke about halftime adjustments, what do you need to see from this offensive line, and those guys picked it up. They ran the ball extremely well. When you outgain your opponent and you’re rushing for 7 yards every time you tote the rock, that’s an impressive thing.

“So, to see the growth there, the response there to put up 48 points, and then just the continued response from DJ – to see a guy that struggled so much a year ago and is just finding his groove, is proving people wrong each and every day, and to keep seeing that growth. He admitted that there were a couple of flashes where there were some drops or some miscues. But overall, a very impressive two weeks in a row for DJ.”

A week earlier against Furman, the junior quarterback threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns while completing 21 of 27 passes for a completion percentage of 77.8 percent — the highest completion percentage Uiagalelei has posted when attempting at least 25 passes.

Manuel, the former Florida State and NFL quarterback, believes Uiagalelei’s play so far this season has solidified his spot as Clemson’s QB1.

“When you talk about DJ Uiagalelei and this quarterback (controversy), that’s dead,” he said. “DJ’s the starter. I think that team obviously knows that. They’re going to follow as he goes, and he’s playing really clean football.”

Manuel added that he thought Uiagalelei’s wide receivers played better against Louisiana Tech.

Freshman Antonio Williams had a team-high 57 receiving yards on two catches and hauled in his first career touchdown reception on a beautifully thrown 19-yard pass from Uiagalelei. Sophomore Beaux Collins had two grabs for 47 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown reception from Uiagalelei, while senior Joseph Ngata notched three receptions for 54 yards, highlighted by a spectacular, diving 41-yard snag in the first quarter.

“Some of those deep balls, they brought in with one hand, two hands going up, catching those 50-50 passes,” Manuel said. “Against a team like Wake Forest next week, they’re going to have to do that. So, I thought this was a step in the right direction.”

Fifth-ranked Clemson’s game at No. 21 Wake Forest (3-0, 0-0 ACC) on Saturday will kick off at noon ET on ABC.

“Clemson hasn’t really been challenged yet,” Manuel said. “I think the first big challenge comes from a veteran quarterback in Sam Hartman at Wake Forest, a team that can run the football and then a team that does pretty good defensively as well. They’ve got some miscues, too, where they can’t tackle guys in the open field. But I think next week’s going to be a really good matchup to see which team is going to be who.”

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Mac Lain: Clemson’s defense has not met the standard

Following Clemson’s 48-20 win over Louisiana Tech, former Clemson lineman Eric Mac Lain discussed the defense on the ACC Network’s show The ACC Huddle. “I think going back to that defense, it is very important to remember these guys were down six, …

Following Clemson’s 48-20 win over Louisiana Tech, former Clemson lineman Eric Mac Lain discussed the defense on the ACC Network’s show The ACC Huddle.

“I think going back to that defense, it is very important to remember these guys were down six, seven stars, like players, guys,” Mac Lain said following the game. “So any time you are having to put in second- and third-team guys, now certainly there is a standard you hope is set — that next man up, you got to go. But you saw that time and time again.”

The secondary was certainly not up to the standard Saturday night.

“You mentioned the corners at halftime just being really soft, not getting that pressure, and quite frankly La. Tech was able to take some whole shots and really pick up some yardage,” Mac Lain said.

While he is not ready to say he is concerned with the Tigers’ defense, there is plenty of room for improvement to meet the expectations.

“So I don’t think concern is the word yet, but the defense needs to do better than they are because we thought this was going to be one of the best-of-all-time types of deals,” Mac Lain said. “And quite frankly right now they have not met that standard.”

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Analysts weigh in on Uiagalelei’s performance vs. Furman

Following Clemson’s 35-12 win over Furman on Saturday at Death Valley, a few ACC analysts weighed in on what they saw from DJ Uiagalelei. During “The ACC Huddle” on ACC Network, analysts Eric Mac Lain, EJ Manuel and Mark Richt gave their takeaways …

Following Clemson’s 35-12 win over Furman on Saturday at Death Valley, a few ACC analysts weighed in on what they saw from DJ Uiagalelei.

During “The ACC Huddle” on ACC Network, analysts Eric Mac Lain, EJ Manuel and Mark Richt gave their takeaways from Uiagalelei’s performance against the Paladins.

The junior quarterback threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday’s contest while completing 21 of 27 passes for a completion percentage of 77.8 percent — the highest completion percentage Uiagalelei has posted when attempting at least 25 passes.

“DJ was very efficient,” said Mac Lain, the former Clemson and All-ACC offensive lineman. “Very proud of what we saw from him, moving the ball, moving the pocket, being excellent out there. And that was one of the biggest things is OK, we’ve got to see him do better. Well, how can we see him do better? Move that pocket, show that he’s mobile and drop some dimes. … People have to help him. I thought last game (against Georgia Tech), there were some things that he could’ve done better. This game, it was on full display. It’s really been a two-year process. Those receivers, they’ve got to help him out down the field.”

Manuel, the former Florida State and NFL quarterback, agreed with Mac Lain about Uiagalelei needing more help from his receivers in order for the Tigers to accomplish what they want to as a team this season.

“DJ had a very clean day,” Manuel said. “He was accurate in the intermediate and the short throws. For the routine throws, make them look easy, and that’s what DJ did well (Saturday) – also functioning within the offense.

“At some point, he’s going to have to sit down with his receivers and not necessarily say hey man, you guys aren’t catching the ball, but say look, we both have to do our job if we want to go win a national championship. We’re not just talking about winning the ACC, but we’re trying to go further than that. So, you’ve got to have that accountability amongst yourself as a quarterback and the guys around you.”

On Saturday, Uiagalelei surpassed 210 passing yards for the second straight game, something he did only twice all of last season. His one real mistake came in the third quarter when he was intercepted, a tipped ball into a tight window that head coach Dabo Swinney and offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter said was a poor decision on the quarterback’s part.

In the season opener against Georgia Tech, Uiagalelei settled in after a slow start and ended up going 19-of-32 passing for 210 yards and a passing touchdown with a rushing score to boot.

Through two games this season, Uiagalelei has completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 441 yards and three touchdowns with one interception following a season in 2021 during which he completed just 55.6 percent of his passes – the second-lowest mark among ACC starters – with more interceptions (10) than touchdown passes (nine).

“I think if (Saturday) was the first game of the year and we saw DJ do what he did, if he had done that last week, I think we all would’ve said he’s made improvements, he’s well on his way to doing what he needs to do to help them be champions,” said Richt, the former Miami and Georgia head coach. “But because the last week was a little shaky, this week was better. Hopefully it’ll continue.”

Mac Lain added that what Uiagalelei did against Furman was especially encouraging considering Clemson possessed the ball for just 25:15 of game time compared to the Paladins’ 34:45 time of possession.

“You see the 35 points, you’re like wow, this is really uninspired football. When you look at the play count and you look at the time of possession, they just didn’t have the ball a lot,” Mac Lain said. “And so what I think was also a positive about DJ is he didn’t get anxious, he didn’t feel like I’ve got to force it, I’ve got to force it. He stayed within the offense and was very efficient.”

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Analyst says Simpson poised to take ACC ‘by storm’ this season

These ACC analysts are very high on Clemson junior linebacker Trenton Simpson entering the 2022 season. In fact, ACC Network analysts Eric Mac Lain and Mark Richt went so far as to say during The ACC Huddle: Season Preview on ACCN recently that they …

These ACC analysts are very high on Clemson junior linebacker Trenton Simpson entering the 2022 season.

In fact, ACC Network analysts Eric Mac Lain and Mark Richt went so far as to say during The ACC Huddle: Season Preview on ACCN recently that they believe Simpson will win the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award this season.

“Man, so many great candidates,” Mac Lain said. “You look at all those linebackers over at NC State, then you look at some DBs that have really made some noise. I’m going linebacker, in South Carolina – Clemson. I think Trenton Simpson is going to absolutely take this league by storm. He’s moving back into the box, where I think he can be right up on that line of scrimmage, he can be very aggressive. He’s going to make some noise for the Tigers, I think enough to be the Defensive Player of the Year.”

Richt agreed with Mac Lain about the Defensive Player of the Year prediction for Simpson, who is transitioning inside the box for his junior season after tallying 78 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and six sacks as a sophomore in 2021.

“I’ve been on Clemson’s campus, I’m convinced they’ll have the best defense in the league without a doubt,” Richt said. “I believe they have the best team in the league without a doubt, and they’re going to have the best middle linebacker, Trenton Simpson. I’m going to agree with E-Mac on that one.”

Simpson, widely projected as a first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft, enters 2022 credited with 110 tackles (18.5 for loss), 10.0 sacks, three pass breakups and a forced fumble in 827 snaps over 25 games (15 starts) in his first two years as a Tiger.

One of the most athletic players on Clemson’s roster and a former five-star prospect, Simpson was an All-ACC selection by PFF (second team) and Phil Steele (third team) last season.

Former Tiger breaks down Clemson, gives hot take on defending ACC champs

Former Clemson and All-ACC offensive lineman Eric Mac Lain joined Greg McElroy’s Always College Football show this week. Clemson’s over/under is set at 10.5 wins according to Caesars Sportsbook, and McElroy said on ESPN’s College Football Live this …

Former Clemson and All-ACC offensive lineman Eric Mac Lain joined Greg McElroy’s Always College Football show this week.

Clemson’s over/under is set at 10.5 wins according to Caesars Sportsbook, and McElroy said on ESPN’s College Football Live this week that he’s taking the under.

McElroy reiterated that to Mac Lain, saying he thinks 10 will be the number and that “in an improved ACC, to go 11-1 is a pretty impressive ask.” McElroy then asked Mac Lain if he feels confident about the 10.5 number from Vegas for the Tigers.

“I think it is a good number, and I think obviously they’re trying to put people in a tough spot with 10 being the number,” Mac Lain said. “But I just think this defense is going to be too good, and I think if they can get average play from the quarterback position, I think they’re back. So, I’m going over. I think Clemson gets back to that.”

Mac Lain then gave a hot take on defending ACC champion Pittsburgh.

“I think we might have two undefeated teams in the ACC Championship with a Pittsburgh and a Clemson, and my goodness, how much fireworks would that be if that came to fruition,” Mac Lain said.

“Put it on paper. Eric Mac Lain’s got Pitt going undefeated,” McElroy said.

You can watch McElroy’s full show with Mac Lain breaking down the Tigers entering the 2022 season here.

Analysts predict ACC title game matchup, one doesn’t pick Tigers to make it

During The ACC Huddle: Season Preview show on ACC Network recently, a few ACCN analysts gave their predictions for which teams will represent the Atlantic and Coastal Divisions in the ACC Championship Game this season. Former Clemson and All-ACC …

During The ACC Huddle: Season Preview show on ACC Network recently, a few ACCN analysts gave their predictions for which teams will represent the Atlantic and Coastal Divisions in the ACC Championship Game this season.

Former Clemson and All-ACC offensive lineman Eric Mac Lain picked Clemson and Pittsburgh as the ACC Championship Game matchup, with the Tigers winning the conference crown, while former Miami and Georgia head coach Mark Richt picked Clemson and Miami to play in the conference title game.

Former Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel did not pick Clemson to make it to the conference title game, however. Instead, he went with NC State to win the Atlantic and play Pittsburgh.

Here’s what Mac Lain, Manuel and Richt had to say regarding their ACC Championship Game matchup predictions and who will win the Atlantic and Coastal Divisions in 2022:

Mac Lain: “I think it’s return of the king. I think Clemson’s back. So, I think they’re going to be representing the Atlantic. I think they win it, but I think Pittsburgh’s going to make it tough. I think Pittsburgh is going to be representing back-to-back divisional champions, the last-ever Coastal. So, I’ve got Clemson and Pitt. I’ve got Clemson winning it.”

Manuel: “Yeah, I’m going Pitt from the Coastal. I think no matter which quarterback they decide to have (Kedon Slovis has since been named Pitt’s starting QB), that defense is going to be stout. They’re going to have enough playmakers around there, a three-headed monster at running back. The Atlantic side, I’m going NC State. I think (quarterback) Devin Leary’s going to do it. I think he’s going to have an excellent season. That defense is also primed and ready to go, too.”

Richt: “Two coaches I love – Narduzzi (Pitt’s Pat Narduzzi) and Doeren (NC State’s Dave Doeren). I’m doing this to help motivate their teams. I’m picking Clemson and Miami. I’m just giving them something to get mad about. They always want a chip on their shoulder, they want to be hunting instead of being the hunted. So here’s your fodder, coaches. Use it the way you want, baby.”

The 2022 ACC Championship Game will kick off at 8 p.m. on ABC on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

Former Tiger sees ‘a totally different’ Clemson o-line entering ’22

When he’s watched Clemson’s offensive line in preseason practice this yea, a former Tiger offensive lineman has seen a much different group than that of a season ago. Last year, based on what he saw in the preseason, Eric Mac Lain expected Clemson’s …

When he’s watched Clemson’s offensive line in preseason practice this yea, a former Tiger offensive lineman has seen a much different group than that of a season ago.

Last year, based on what he saw in the preseason, Eric Mac Lain expected Clemson’s O-line to struggle. And indeed, the O-line experienced its share of struggles in 2021.

But this year, Mac Lain is a lot more optimistic about the Tigers up front on offense heading into 2022.

“I’m just excited about the growth,” Mac Lain said of the O-line. “They moved some guys around, they’re putting folks in different positions. They’re feeling really good about the first five they run out there, and they just look like a totally different unit. I mean, a year ago, remember – it’s still against this defensive line, and last year, they just couldn’t handle it. It was every other play, DJ (Uiagalelei)’s getting hit. They can’t run the ball, can’t do anything, and it’s just like, man, this is gonna be tough.”

Mac Lain — who played at Clemson from 2011-15 and was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2015 — added that he’s seen the unit winning matchups in practice against the Tigers’ elite defensive line.

“This year, I see them going against those same guys – and again, some folks moved around, a couple new faces – and they’re winning reps,” he said. “It’s much more 50-50.”

Analysts discuss their expectations for Clemson entering 2022

After capturing six straight ACC Championships from 2015-20, Clemson saw that streak get snapped in 2021 when Coastal Division champion Pittsburgh claimed the conference crown with a victory over Atlantic Division winner Wake Forest. Heading into …

After capturing six straight ACC Championships from 2015-20, Clemson saw that streak get snapped in 2021 when Coastal Division champion Pittsburgh claimed the conference crown with a victory over Atlantic Division winner Wake Forest.

Heading into 2022, many expect Dabo Swinney’s Tigers to get back to the ACC Championship Game, win the conference once again and return to the College Football Playoff after missing the playoff last year for only the second time since the playoff began in 2014.

According to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FIP), Clemson has a 75 percent chance to win the Atlantic Division and a 59 percent chance to win the ACC in 2022, with a 57.4 percent chance to make the playoff.

During ACC Network’s ACC Football Road Trip show at Clemson that aired Wednesday, former Georgia and Miami head coach and current ACCN analyst Mark Richt was asked about his expectations for the Tigers going into the season.

“You see the high-percentage number, and I get it,” Richt said. “Now, there are two other teams that have played well lately – Wake Forest, obviously, NC State. NC State beat them a year ago… So, it’s not going to be cut and dry with everybody across the board… I’ve been saying it all along – if the QB position plays well, it’s a wrap.”

Former Clemson and All-ACC offensive lineman Eric Mac Lain, now an ACCN analyst, also gave his expectations for the Tigers, who started last season 4-3 before reeling off six straight wins to finish 10-3 and reach at least 10 wins for the 11th consecutive campaign.

“I think it really is kind of the return of the king, if you will, this season with Clemson being back,” Mac Lain said. “But it’s certainly going to be a tall task. You think right here, on this field (at Death Valley), October 1st – what a big day that’s going to be as NC State comes to town, and we know how much they want to get that illustrious ACC title.

“But it’s going to have to go through these guys (the Tigers), and they’re going to be back. That defense is going to be tremendous. As coach has said many, many times, this whole thing is centered around the quarterback position.”

Swinney has reiterated that junior D.J. Uiagalelei is Clemson’s starting quarterback heading into the Labor Day opener against Georgia Tech. While offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter acknowledged this week that “there is definite competition” between Uiagalelei and freshman Cade Klubnik, Streeter said Uiagalelei is “the guy right now.”

Kickoff for the Tigers’ season opener against the Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is set for Monday, Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. on ESPN.