Re: Rileys playbook

CUTIGERS2002® · 2025-08-31T23:07:00.595Z

Just how many plays can you fit on a post it note?

tigerdan75®

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Aug 31, 2025, 8:20 PM

Hey, Grok. Design a good offensive game plan for Clemson to defeat LSU in football.

Designing an effective offensive game plan for Clemson to defeat LSU in football requires a strategic approach that leverages Clemson's strengths, exploits LSU's defensive weaknesses, and adapts to the context of the 2025 season. Based on the provided information, LSU's defense has improved significantly, particularly in man-to-man coverage, and features a strong front led by players like Harold Perkins Jr. Meanwhile, Clemson's offense, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, has a potent passing attack but struggled with the running game in their previous matchup, managing only 31 yards on 20 carries. The game plan below focuses on balancing the offense, managing LSU's defensive pressure, and maximizing Clemson's playmakers. Note that this is a hypothetical strategy, as the actual game occurred on August 30, 2025, with LSU winning 17-10.

### Clemson Offensive Game Plan to Defeat LSU

#### 1. Establish a Balanced Offensive Attack
**Objective**: Counter LSU's aggressive defense by creating a credible running threat to open up the passing game.
- **Run Game Emphasis**: LSU's defense stifled Clemson's run game in the actual matchup, limiting them to 1.6 yards per carry. To counter this, Clemson should focus on quick-hitting runs to neutralize LSU's defensive front, led by Harold Perkins Jr. and newcomers like Patrick Payton and Jack Pyburn. Use zone-read plays and jet sweeps to exploit Perkins' aggressive pursuit, forcing him to hesitate.

- **Key Plays**: Inside zone runs with running back Adam Randall, who scored a physical 1-yard touchdown in the game, and true freshman Gideon Davidson for speed. Incorporate misdirection with jet sweeps to wide receivers like T.J. Moore or Bryant Wesco Jr. to stretch the defense horizontally.

- **Personnel**: With star running back Phil Mafah gone to the NFL, rely on Randall’s physicality and Davidson’s explosiveness. Ensure offensive lineman Walker Parks, if healthy, anchors the right side to handle LSU’s pass rushers.

- **Play-Action Passing**: LSU’s improved man-to-man defense (due to transfers like Mansoor Delane and A.J. Haulcy) will challenge Clemson’s receivers. Use play-action off successful runs to freeze linebackers like Whit Weeks, creating windows for intermediate passes to tight end Jake Briningstool or slot receiver Tyler Brown.

**Why It Works**: LSU’s defense thrives on making opponents one-dimensional. By establishing a modest run game (aim for 4-5 yards per carry), Clemson forces LSU to respect the run, reducing pressure on Klubnik and opening up passing lanes. In the actual game, Clemson’s failure to run the ball (20 carries, 31 yards) made their offense predictable.

#### 2. Protect Cade Klubnik and Utilize His Mobility
**Objective**: Mitigate LSU’s relentless pressure, led by Harold Perkins Jr., and leverage Klubnik’s dual-threat ability.
- **Quick Passing Game**: LSU pressured Klubnik relentlessly, sacking him twice and disrupting his rhythm, though he still threw for 230 yards. Implement a quick-release passing game with 3-step drops, targeting slants, hitches, and screens to receivers like T.J. Moore (who had a big catch in the game) and Bryant Wesco Jr. Bubble screens and swing passes to running backs can slow down LSU’s edge rushers like Payton and Pyburn.

- **Designed QB Runs**: Klubnik had six carries in the game, but Clemson didn’t run in the fourth quarter. Incorporate designed quarterback runs, such as zone-reads or QB draws, to exploit LSU’s focus on pass-rushing. This keeps LSU’s linebackers honest and prevents them from pinning their ears back. Brian Kelly noted LSU’s struggles against mobile quarterbacks (e.g., Texas A&M, Alabama), so Klubnik’s legs are a key weapon.

- **Pocket Movement**: LSU’s defensive coordinator Blake Baker uses aggressive blitzes. Train Klubnik to climb the pocket or roll out to avoid pressure from Perkins and T.J. Parker. Use bootlegs to get Klubnik on the move, targeting tight end Olsen Patt-Henry, who had a 19-yard catch in the game, on crossers or flats.

**Why It Works**: LSU’s defense thrives on disrupting pocket passers, as seen with Klubnik’s 19-of-38 performance and one interception. Quick passes and designed runs reduce pressure and exploit LSU’s aggressive tendencies, while Klubnik’s mobility (underutilized in the actual game) can create explosive plays.

#### 3. Exploit LSU’s Secondary with Deep Shots
**Objective**: Test LSU’s revamped secondary, featuring transfers like Mansoor Delane and five-star freshman DJ Pickett, with calculated deep passes.

- **Vertical Passing Game**: LSU’s secondary is talented but still integrating new pieces. Use double moves and play-action to target receivers like T.J. Moore or Bryant Wesco Jr. downfield. In the game, Moore and Wesco had key catches, but Clemson didn’t stretch the field enough. Aim for 2-3 deep shots per half when LSU’s safeties cheat up to stop the run.

- **Attack the Middle**: LSU’s linebackers, including Whit Weeks, are strong in run support but can be exploited in coverage. Use tight end Jake Briningstool, a returning veteran, on seam routes to split the safeties. In the actual game, Clemson’s intermediate passing (e.g., 26-yard catch by Moore) worked well but wasn’t sustained.

- **Avoid Barion Brown on Returns**: LSU’s Barion Brown, a Kentucky transfer, is a dangerous returner with 226 all-purpose yards in a prior bowl game. Limit punts and kickoffs to him by using directional kicking or squib kicks to prevent big returns that could shift field position.

**Why It Works**: LSU’s secondary, while improved, is still gelling. Deep shots can exploit overaggressive safeties, and attacking the middle with Briningstool can create mismatches. Avoiding Brown on special teams prevents LSU from gaining momentum, as their offense capitalized on good field position in the actual game.

#### 4. Manage Antonio Williams’ Injury and Adjust Personnel
**Objective**: Adapt to the potential absence of star wide receiver Antonio Williams, who suffered a hamstring injury early in the first quarter of the actual game.
- **Elevate Other Receivers**: Without Williams, Clemson relied on T.J. Moore, Bryant Wesco Jr., and Tyler Brown, with four receivers catching four passes each. Design packages that feature Wesco’s speed on deep routes and Moore’s size on contested catches. Use 11-personnel sets (3 WRs, 1 TE, 1 RB) to spread LSU’s defense and create one-on-one matchups.

- **Involve Tight Ends**: With Williams out, tight ends like Jake Briningstool and Olsen Patt-Henry become critical. Use 12-personnel sets (2 TEs) to create mismatches, as LSU may struggle to cover both tight ends and wide receivers. This also aids run blocking against LSU’s stout front.

- **Monitor Walker Parks**: Ensure the offensive line, particularly right guard Walker Parks (if available), can handle LSU’s defensive line. If Parks is limited, sophomore Elyjah Thurmon must step up to protect Klubnik and open run game.

**Why It Works**: Williams’ absence hurt Clemson’s offense in the game, forcing reliance on less experienced receivers. Spreading the field with 11-personnel or using 12-personnel to create mismatches compensates for his loss and keeps LSU’s defense guessing. A healthy offensive line is crucial to counter LSU’s front.

#### 5. Control the Clock and Win the Turnover Battle
**Objective**: Limit LSU’s high-powered offense, led by Garrett Nussmeier and Caden Durham, by controlling possession and forcing turnovers.
- **Sustained Drives**: LSU’s offense had 356 yards and 25 first downs in the game, dominating the second half. Clemson should aim for 6-8 minute drives using a mix of runs and short passes to keep Nussmeier off the field. In the game, Clemson’s defense forced two first-half fumbles, but the offense couldn’t capitalize fully. Convert third downs (Clemson was poor on third downs in the game) to sustain drives.

- **Avoid Turnovers**: Klubnik threw one interception, and Clemson’s offense stalled on key fourth-down plays. Protect the ball by avoiding risky throws into double coverage, especially against LSU’s ball-hawking secondary (e.g., DJ Pickett). Use checkdowns to running backs or tight ends when under pressure.

- **Red Zone Efficiency**: Clemson scored only once in the red zone (Randall’s 1-yard run). Use play-action and misdirection in the red zone to exploit LSU’s aggressive linebackers, targeting Briningstool or Moore.

**Why It Works**: Controlling the clock limits LSU’s explosive offense, which scored two second-half touchdowns to win the game. Winning the turnover battle (Clemson forced two but didn’t score off both) and improving red zone efficiency (unlike the actual game) keeps Clemson competitive.

#### 6. Adapt to LSU’s Second-Half Adjustments
**Objective**: Counter LSU’s defensive adjustments, as they shut out Clemson in the second half of the actual game.
- **In-Game Adjustments**: LSU’s defense, under Blake Baker, tightened up in the second half, limiting Clemson to 151 yards. Prepare for LSU to switch to more zone coverage or additional blitzers. Counter with quick screens and draws to exploit overpursuit, and use motion to identify coverage pre-snap.

- **Fourth-Quarter Strategy**: Clemson’s offense threw 19 straight passes in the fourth quarter, abandoning the run. Maintain balance late by mixing in draws or read-option plays to keep LSU’s defense off balance. On critical fourth downs (e.g., 4th-and-4 at the LSU 15), use high-percentage plays like slants or option routes to Briningstool.

- **Situational Awareness**: With the game close (LSU won 17-10), manage the clock effectively in the fourth quarter. Avoid the late-game scenario where Clemson reached the LSU 15 but failed on 4th-and-4 due to pressure from Perkins. Use tempo to tire LSU’s defensive line and create cleaner pockets for Klubnik.

**Why It Works**: LSU’s second-half dominance came from defensive adjustments and Clemson’s predictability. By staying balanced and adapting to LSU’s schemes, Clemson can avoid the offensive collapse seen in the second half.

### Expected Outcome
This game plan aims for Clemson to score 24-30 points by balancing the run and pass, protecting Klubnik, and exploiting LSU’s secondary. Sustained drives and red zone efficiency keep LSU’s offense off the field, while deep shots create explosive plays. Defensively, Clemson must force turnovers (as they did with two fumbles) and limit Caden Durham’s runs (74 yards in the game). If executed, this plan gives Clemson a strong chance to win a close game, projected at 27-24, reversing the 17-10 loss.

This plan leverages Clemson’s experienced offense, adapts to LSU’s defensive strengths, and addresses the shortcomings seen in the actual game on August 30, 2025.

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Rileys playbook