What a season

Dec 22, 2024, 9:35 AM

I took a break from TN for the season, just to take it all in. I also hate to post negative things just because I am emotional in that moment. As I grow older, these seasons seem to pass with the blink of an eye so I really try to take it in and enjoy every moment.

I know we didn’t have the outcome many wanted, but I absolutely loved this team. Additionally, Cade has become one of my favorite Clemson players of all time. I think playcalling is the only thing that held/will hold that kid back. You can tell his entire heart is devoted to this program. I think we have a VERY bright future on the offensive side of the ball and I am already so excited to see them play next year. I think we need to pick up an elite LB and possibly Safety for next season, but I think our defense has great talent as well. Here are my main takeaways:

Offensive Line: Right now, Matt Luke looks to be a top 3 hire of Dabo’s career (1. BV 2. Chad Morris, in my opinion). When healthy, I think the OL was one of the best/most underrated units on our team. Good young talent to hopefully plug in with the guys leaving. Grabbing a veteran from the portal wouldn’t be an awful idea. I predict Blake Miller will slide to LT and Sadler to RT. Should be a good unit next year.

Defense: I hate to talk about another man’s livelihood, but I’ve never seen such an awful defensively coached game as I did last night. Wes Goodwin will probably be (and should be) gone within the next couple weeks. Wes stuck to the 4-3 and got gashed in the run game every time. Every time he ran 5-2 (Barrett Carter playing as the edge opposite TJ Parker) and man coverage on the back end, he got a stop. The crazy part is, he stuck to the 4-3 when it obviously didn’t work. After the first quarter, you get in 5-2, sell out on the run and make Ewers beat you with his arm. Sad to see someone making so much money, be so incompetent. He also lacks intensity, and you can tell. Defense looked flat footed and lacking passion many times this season. I want someone who brings intensity and bring violence to the defense.

Offense: I still believe Garrett Riley is the right guy for the job. When he runs an aggressive offense, especially with tempo, we move the ball with ease. I do not understand the conservative playcalling and it lost us the game against UofSC and almost lost us the game against SMU. You could say UGA and Louisville as well. In my opinion, stop with the old WR quick screens and RB counters unless you’re giving the ball to a true burner. Maybe I’m a conspiracy theorist, but I still see too many “Dabo” looking play calls. I think he needs to do what Bobby Bowden did and just put down his clipboard, and trust that you hired the right guy. I want to see us run between the tackles and if we run a screen, let it develop and get your OL out in front as lead blockers.

Running backs: I hated that Mafah was hurt the last half of the season because when healthy, he is elite. Gideon Davidson looks like a freak of nature and Haynes should be healthy and back up to full speed. If we find good replacements on the OL, we’ll be an extremely elite offense next year. Let Cade spin it all year, and finally bring home a Heisman trophy to Clemson.

Defensive Line: I think our DL, especially ends need better coaching or maybe just more development. You don’t have to sprint 100 MPH straight upfield and break contain every passing play, hoping you get a sack. This killed us many times this year, especially against USC. I know taking Sammy out was big, but you have to play contain on the DL and make sure you keep Lanorris in the pocket. If you get a sack, it’s probably because of great coverage or just beating the O lineman. The speed rush around the side is great when you get there, but awful if you don’t and allow a giant hole for the QB to run through. Our starting 4 should be elite next year, with great young talent behind them.

Secondary: I think Terrell is a special talent, but needs to continue to develop. Lukus has been disappointing so far and if he doesn’t make a big leap, will probably get passed over by Corian Gipson or Tavoy. Ashton Hampton looks to be a star in the making. Khalil will be a first or second round pick after next year if he continues to develop. I think he should play strong safety next year alongside possibly Billings or grab a solid veteran out of the portal.

Linebackers: Wade and Sammy are both great. Sammy will be elite. In my opinion, Barrett Carter is not as good as people make him out to be. He was a liability in coverage all year. I think he should add weight and move to the Mike if he wants to have a long career in the NFL. I really don’t know who our 3rd LB will be next year. Possibly moving Sammy or Wade to Mike alongside Jamal Anderson. Think we should grab somebody from the portal.

Wide Receivers: If Antonio stays, it will be the best unit in the country. Was very critical of Grisham, but I think he has down well. Will get a better idea next season if Wesco and Moore continue to develop.

This is all opinion based, so feel free to critique.

Final takeaway and prediction for 2025: IF we find an elite replacement for Wes Goodwin, we WILL win the national championship. Bookmark this. I haven’t felt this optimistic about a following season in a long time.

What an amazing year. I love Clemson football and loved this team. Going to be a long offseason, but I will thoroughly enjoy watching our basketball team have another great season. Also, I cannot wait to watch the baseball team finally bring home a national championship.

God bless each and every one of y’all and GO TIGERS!