Tag: Matt Bockhorst

Clemson’s offense getting a lift from its turnaround on the ground

Clemson had its most tangible sign of offensive improvement Saturday against Florida State. Once Will Shipley crossed the goal line late in the fourth quarter to cap a 21-yard touchdown run for his personal highlight reel, the Tigers’ offense had …

Clemson had its most tangible sign of offensive improvement Saturday against Florida State.

Once Will Shipley crossed the goal line late in the fourth quarter to cap a 21-yard touchdown run for his personal highlight reel, the Tigers’ offense had scored its 23rd point in what turned into a 30-20 win for the home team inside Memorial Stadium. The last time Clemson had cracked the seal on 20 regulation points against an FBS opponent before then? That College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Ohio State back in January.

As marginal as it may be, Clemson’s offense has been making strides for the better part of a month now. The Tigers still rank 114th out of 130 FBS teams in total offense, but after averaging just 226 yards against its first three FBS opponents, Clemson has accumulated at least 314 in each of its last four. The best performances — 438 yards against Boston College and 377 against FSU — have come since the start of October, though five turnovers in the last two games haven’t helped the Tigers in their attempt to cash in more on the scoreboard.

But there’s one facet of the offense Clemson can largely thank for those strides: A ground game that’s finding some consistency.

While the passing game continues to be sporadic (177.8 passing yards per game), Clemson’s rushing totals are trending up. Yes, the Tigers still rank in the bottom half nationally in that category, too, but it’s much closer to the top half — 81st nationally, to be exact — than any of the Tigers’ other major statistical categories on that side of the ball.

Clemson kept running into Georgia’s brick wall to the tune of 2 net yards in its opening loss and didn’t surpass 158 yards on the ground against anybody other than FCS member South Carolina State through the season’s first month. Since then, the Tigers are averaging nearly 175 rushing yards over their last four games, including 188 against the Seminoles.

Clemson is averaging 4.7 yards per carry during that span — 1.7 more than its first three games against FBS foes.

“Just better execution,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “We’ve always run the zone, some variation of it whether it’s the inside zone or outside zone. We run the counter. We run the quarterback plays. We run the power and get on the edge some. Just doing a little better job than we were in the early part of the year.”

The encouraging part for the Tigers beyond just the sheer uptick in the numbers is the fact it’s happening despite doors in the backfield and along the offensive line that won’t stop revolving. Matt Bockhorst’s season-ending knee injury against Pitt forced Clemson to go with its fifth different starting combination up front against FSU while the Tigers’ leading rusher, Kobe Pace, wasn’t available last week because of COVID-19 protocols.

With Lyn-J Dixon and reserve back Michel Dukes leaving the program during the first half of the season, true freshmen Will Shipley, fresh off his return from a lower leg injury, and Phil Mafah were two of Clemson’s three available scholarship backs against FSU. The other one, veteran Darien Rencher, has only played in one game this season.

There was more shuffling once the game started. Mason Trotter started his third straight game at center but got banged up, which brought Hunter Rayburn off the bench to finish the game. Guard Will Putnam rolled an ankle and briefly left the game. He returned, but Swinney said he and Trotter are day to day heading into Saturday’s game at Louisville.

Yet despite more moving pieces, offensive coordinator Tony Elliott said the line’s communication has improved over the course of the season, which has helped the group keep the missed assignments to a minimum of late.

“Credit to (offensive line coach) Robbie (Caldwell) and those guys up front, man,” Elliott said. “They’ve been under a lot of scrutiny here this season. Those guys come to work every single day.”

Shipley and Mafah handled the rest against the Seminoles.

Shipley got his most hefty workload of the season (25 carries) finished with a career-high 128 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Mafah ripped off Clemson’s longest play from scrimmage this season with a 63-yard scamper in the first half, though he came up limping after just nine carries and watched the fourth quarter from the sideline. He’s in the same boat as Putnam and Trotter in terms of his availability this weekend, Swinney said.

But Mafah helped Clemson average nearly 4.4 yards per carry against the ACC’s seventh-best rush defense. The Tigers have also faced Pitt and Syracuse — two of the league’s top 4 run defenses — over the last four games, so it’s not like Clemson is seeing a spike in its production because of little resistance.

Elliott also credited the development of the Tigers’ young backs for some of Clemson’s improvement on the ground.

“They’re becoming more comfortable,” Elliott said. “You’re playing two freshmen right now, and they’re starting to understand things. I thought Phil did a really good job in game making adjustments. There was one (run) that he missed, and then we came back to a similar play later in the game and he made the right cut. They’re just getting more comfortable with the scheme.”

Clemson will try to keep it trending in the right direction this weekend against a Louisville team that owns the ACC’s fifth-best run defense.

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

Just in with Julia: Dabo takes responsibility, Bockhorst gets emotional

Each week Julia Haskins bring you the latest on the Tigers with Just in with Julia. In this week’s edition Julia discusses coach Swinney taking responsibility for where the Tigers are and an emotional press conference from Matt Bockhorst.

Each week Julia Haskins bring you the latest on the Tigers with Just in with Julia.

In this week’s edition Julia discusses coach Swinney taking responsibility for where the Tigers are and an emotional press conference from Matt Bockhorst.

Bockhorst comes to terms with career end, but will still be there for teammates

Matt Bockhorst knew it. As he lay on the ground, withering in pain, Clemson’s veteran offensive lineman knew he likely played his last snap of college football. It’s hard to get a sense of what was going through Bockhorst’s head during the second …

Matt Bockhorst knew it.

As he lay on the ground, withering in pain, Clemson’s veteran offensive lineman knew he likely played his last snap of college football.

It’s hard to get a sense of what was going through Bockhorst’s head during the second half of last Saturday’s 27-17 loss to No. 17 Pitt at Heinz Field. But, just by looking at him, you couldn’t help but sense the feeling of despair as he watched on, blankly staring at the field in which his football career prematurely ended.

As he peeled back the curtain, Bockhorst did so with grace and he did so with emotion. It was a perfect embolism of his career as his Clemson Tiger, one that was filled with fiery passion and raw emotion. That was on display during Tuesday’s media availability as Bockhorst did his best to give reporters a sense of what was going through his mind when he injured his knee yet again. 

“It hurt. It hurt bad. Physically and just emotionally, it hurt,” Bockhorst said Tuesday. I kind of knew something was wrong and unfortunately, I have a good deal of experience with knee issues. Before I went into the locker room, I kind of knew that was my last snap and that is very hard to accept.”

It seemed like Bockhorst was coming to terms that his playing career was in fact over as he spoke with the media for the final time. 

He recounted feeling helpless as if he let his team down. That couldn’t be further from the truth, though. Anyone who knows Bockhorst knows just how much he gave each and every day to this program, just ask his head coach. The outpouring of support from fans and teammates alike has helped lift his spirits.

“I’ve always wanted to give to my teammates what I expected them to give me and that’s everything,” he said. “And to sit there to watch and see them struggling and just the missed opportunities and could’ve, should’ve, would’ve is very hard to watch. It’s part of the game and it’s something I have to come to terms with about my career coming to an end and I’m not gonna quit on this team and I know the guys that get to play on the field aren’t gonna quit either. It’s a tough time for all of us.”

It’s hard to stay positive knowing that this is the end of the road, but Bockhorst did his best to give some perspective on what his role will be going forward.

“I mean it’s tough and moving around on crutches is not ideal. It’s hard,” Bockhorst said. “Bottom line is, I still have to be here for the guys and I will still be a leader as much as I can. Being on crutches isn’t ideal, well, a lot of this situation isn’t ideal, but that’s where we are. 

“Just being at practice, being at meetings when I can be, and just trying to encourage and get guys to play the way that we’re capable of playing is what I’m gonna try to do. We have it. It’s there. It’s so close, but it has just not shown up yet and it’s incredibly frustrating for us. I know it’s incredibly frustrating for the fans. We’re doing what we can to fix it because this is not what we’re used to. When you look at the talent of our roster, we know that we’re capable of so much more and so, anything that I can do to assist in the transition and maturation of this team, that’s what I’m gonna do.”

Bockhorst insisted that he promised he wouldn’t cry as he held back tears.

He was asked what it was like to see his parents for the first time following the injury. Bockhorst took a deep breath. He shook his head as he searched for the words to answer the question. 

“Just devastating,” he said as he let some tears flow.

“You just look your mother in the eyes and know that she hurts for you,” Bockhorst added. “Like I said, I can’t even explain the sacrifices that my parents have made for me. Even just the amount of times that I get to see my parents, they live seven hours away and I see them almost every weekend, in-season, and the offseason. My parents have become a part of the Clemson family and my little brother, he’s a freshman [at Clemson]. Clemson Football means something to them. They’re so invested in this and my dad knows what it’s like to put on the pads and give it your all. And he knows that the game has meant so much to me. I’m very thankful that I had that opportunity to share that moment with them.”

It’s very hard for Bockhorst to experience this, but he doesn’t have to go through it alone. Having his family by his side is what ultimately matters in the end.

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

Tears flow as Bockhorst reflects on a playing career over too soon

Matt Bockhorst promised himself he wasn’t going to cry, but that didn’t last long. Understandably so. Clemson’s veteran offensive lineman sat in front of a gathering of reporters Tuesday inside the team’s indoor practice facility with a bulky brace …

Matt Bockhorst promised himself he wasn’t going to cry, but that didn’t last long.

Understandably so.

Clemson’s veteran offensive lineman sat in front of a gathering of reporters Tuesday inside the team’s indoor practice facility with a bulky brace on his right knee and crutches by his side. Three days earlier, his season had come to a premature end when he tore his ACL on Clemson’s second possession against Pitt.

Bockhorst also knew it was the end of his playing days. He has the option to return for a sixth season after the NCAA didn’t count last season’s pandemic-affected season toward any fall-sport athletes’ eligibility, but Bockhorst is about to undergo his fifth knee surgery. He’s already had four operations on his left knee.

His eyes watered as he spoke about it being his time to walk away from the game.

“Sooner or later, you can only take so much,” Bockhorst said. “It’s part of the game. It’s the risk you run. It’s unfortunate because you just can’t control it. From a mental standpoint, it takes a lot out of you. And to go through that and go through the rehab and get ready to play again, and then it just seems like every year it’s just over and over and over again.

“Mentally I gave it everything I had.”

Bockhorst said he’ll still attend meetings and practice to help coach and encourage his teammates, but he’ll never play again despite there still being five games on the Tigers’ schedule starting with Florida State on Saturday. And that’s the most difficult for Bockhorst to stomach.

“Not how I wanted to go out,” he said.

Bockhorst spoke for almost 25 emotional minutes, fielding questions about the injury, his five years at Clemson, his newfound role with the team and a little bit of everything in between. Reality seemed to further sink in with each inquiry for Bockhorst, who often needed to time to gather himself.

He paused to take deep breaths. Bockhorst even chuckled during some of his answers to try to keep the tears from flowing, but he could rarely hold them back. The few times he managed to, he spoke through cracks in his voice, including when answering a question about what his time at Clemson — four ACC titles, a national championship in 2018 and a degree in financial management — has meant to him.

“If I were to sit here and talk about what Clemson means to me in totality, we’d be sitting here for a long time,” he said.

A native of Cincinnati, Bockhorst recalled going through the recruiting process as a senior as St. Xavier (Ohio) High and wanting to “think outside the box.” He was sold on going to Clemson when he took a visit to the school in January 2017. It was the same weekend the Tigers held their national championship parade following the 2016 season.

“Just sitting there in the seats in front of the stage while all those guys got to speak, I considered to myself, ‘I wonder if one day I’m going to be able to do that,'” he said, voice trembling. “And unfortunately, that’s not the case, and that’s really hard to swallow. But I cared a lot about this team, and I still do. And I’m going to do everything I can to finish strong.”

Ask Bockhorst who he’s leaned on for the most support during times like these, and he can barely get the words out of his mouth. It’s not that he had to think about the answer. He just needed time to gather himself long enough to speak.

After a lengthy pause, he went for it.

“My family has been there for me since Day 1,” Bockhorst said as his voice trailed off, pausing periodically to wipe away tears. “And they have loved and supported me every step of the way. I’ve always tried to make them proud.

“It’s times like these when you realize who you have by your side. And I know it was incredibly devastating for my parents, who were at the game. They know how much I’ve sacrificed and everything I’ve been through. It’s tough. And I know they’re there for me and would do anything for me, and that’s what being a family is about. And not just my immediate family but also everyone that’s in this facility because we’re a family, too. And families stick together in the good times and, most importantly, in the bad. The relationships that I’ve developed during my time here are relationships that will seriously last a lifetime.”

As for what life after football holds for Bockhorst, he didn’t delve into specifics. But despite many of his coaches describing him as a coach on the field, Bockhorst genuinely laughed at the notion of it involving a career in coaching.

“I thought I wanted to be a college coach, and then I became a college football player,” he said with a smile. “Those guys work a lot of hours. Obviously I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for our coaches and everything they do for us. I think a lot of people get wrapped up and see a dollar figure attached to what you could make, but there is so much that precedes that.

“I will always love the game of football, but I don’t see that in my future at this point.”

Bockhorst said he’s doing his best to stay positive despite his sudden reality. Ultimately, he said, he’s thankful that Clemson gave him a chance to “experience a lot of things that most kids can never dream of.”

“If I could do it over again, 10 out of 10 times, I would come here,” he said. “I just really appreciate everybody who’s reached out and supported me over these past couple of days. That’s really, really lifted my spirits.”

Matt Bockhorst gets emotional talking about his injury, love for Clemson

Matt Bockhorst had to fight off tears during his press conference Tuesday as he discussed his season ending injury and his love for Clemson. Watch the emotional press conference:

Matt Bockhorst had to fight off tears during his press conference Tuesday as he discussed his season ending injury and his love for Clemson.

Watch the emotional press conference:

Swinney has never seen a guy ‘more committed’ than Bockhorst

During his radio call-in show Monday evening, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney spoke about graduate senior offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the Tigers’ loss to Pittsburgh last Saturday. Swinney talked about …

During his radio call-in show Monday evening, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney spoke about graduate senior offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the Tigers’ loss to Pittsburgh last Saturday.

Swinney talked about how much the Cincinnati, Ohio, native has meant to Clemson’s program since he arrived on campus in 2017.

The injury will be the end of the road for Bockhorst’s Clemson career.

“Bockhorst, this kid — I have never had a more committed guy than Bockhorst,” Swinney said. “I mean, he loves every second of football and everything that goes into football. You gotta love football to play offensive line, first of all. But to play the way that he plays it … He is giving everything. This will probably be his fifth knee surgery or so. I mean, his career is going to be over and he has embraced that. He understands that.”

Bockhorst entered the 2021 season having played 1,352 career snaps over 40 games (13 starts).

A 2021 semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation, Bockhorst was a second-team All-ACC selection in 2020.

“He was a captain in his very last game, and that is very fitting because you know that is just the type of young man he is,” Swinney said.

“I am going to miss him. He was playing well.”

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

Swinney heartbroken for Bockhorst

Matt Bockhorst’s season came to a premature end during Saturday’s 27-17 loss to Pitt at Heinz Field. During Sunday’s conference call with reporters, Dabo Swinney confirmed that Clemson’s senior-most offensive lineman tore his ACL and will …

Matt Bockhorst’s season came to a premature end during Saturday’s 27-17 loss to Pitt at Heinz Field.

During Sunday’s conference call with reporters, Dabo Swinney confirmed that Clemson’s senior-most offensive lineman tore his ACL and will subsequently miss the rest of the season.

The injury will likely be the end of the road for Bockhorst’s Clemson career.

Swinney addressed Bockhorst’s injury and just what the Cincinnati (Oh.) native has meant to the program since he arrived in 2017.

“[My] heart breaks for him,” Swinney said. “That kid has given every ounce of everything he’s had in his career. I’m proud of everything he’s accomplished. He’s a national champion. He’s a multiple ACC champion. He’s a two-time graduate, he’s working on his masters right now. I just really appreciate everything he’s done and I know that he’ll still continue to serve this team and lead. Love that guy.”

Swinney doesn’t believe that Bockhorst will be back next season. 

“This will be about his fourth or fifth knee surgery,” he said. “I think he’s gonna work on his abs and drop some weight and get ready for what comes next in life. I think that’s going to be his focus…What a ride and what a journey that young man has had. He’s had a heck of a career football-wise. He’s been able to experience so many things. He’s grown into a great man through this game. He’s a great leader and a good player.”

Bockhorst has an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic, but between Swinney’s comments and the heartfelt message he penned on social media Sunday, he seems unlikely to return to Clemson.

“We’re gonna miss Bock, that’s for sure,” Swinney said.

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

Bockhorst has heartfelt message after season-ending injury

Clemson senior offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst took to Twitter following Saturday’s 27-17 loss to Pittsburgh at Heinz Field that dropped the Tigers to 4-3 on the season and 3-2 in conference play. Not every story ends the way we want it to. Never …

Clemson senior offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst took to Twitter following Saturday’s 27-17 loss to Pittsburgh at Heinz Field that dropped the Tigers to 4-3 on the season and 3-2 in conference play.

This is likely the end of the road for Bockhorst, who tore his ACL in the first quarter of Saturday’s loss.

Bockhorst, who led Clemson’s offense with a fiery intensity and passion, gave everything he had to the Tigers through seven games this season. While it wasn’t always pretty, he did what was asked of him, including starting four games at center.

His season improved when he moved back to guard, but it prematurely ended Saturday afternoon.

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

Another Tiger done for the year

Following Clemson’s 27-17 loss to No. 23 Pittsburgh on Saturday at Heinz Field, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney gave an injury update on offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst. Swinney said that Bockhorst tore his ACL during the contest. Bockhorst was …

Following Clemson’s 27-17 loss to No. 23 Pittsburgh on Saturday at Heinz Field, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney gave an injury update on offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst.

Swinney said that Bockhorst tore his ACL during the contest.

Bockhorst was helped off the field after suffering the injury late in the first quarter. The fifth-year guard appeared to have his right leg rolled up after a run near the goal line on Clemson’s first scoring drive.

Bockhorst remained down on the field for a few minutes as trainers tended to him. He eventually limped off the field with some help. True freshman Marcus Tate was inserted in his place at left guard.

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

More bad news for Clemson’s offensive line

PITTSBURGH – Clemson’s offensive line sustained another blow early in today’s game against Pittsburgh at Heinz Field. Matt Bockhorst was helped off the field after suffering an injury late in the first quarter. The fifth-year guard appeared to have …

PITTSBURGH — Clemson’s offensive line sustained another blow early in today’s game against Pittsburgh at Heinz Field.

Matt Bockhorst was helped off the field after suffering an injury late in the first quarter. The fifth-year guard appeared to have his right leg rolled up after a run near the goal line on Clemson’s first scoring drive.

Bockhorst remained down on the field for a few minutes as trainers tended to him. He eventually limped off the field with some help. True freshman Marcus Tate was inserted in his place at left guard.

Clemson, which was already without Hunter Rayburn (COVID-19 protocols) up front, scored on the next play — a 1-yard touchdown run by Phil Mafah — for a 7-0 lead with 1 minute, 29 seconds left in the first quarter.